5 Most Populated Countries in South America

In this article, we will look at the 5 most populated countries in South America. If you wish to look at our detailed analysis of the South American population, you can go to 12 Most Populated Countries in South America.

5. Venezuela 

Population as of 2022: 28,301,696 people

Venezuela is located in the north of South America and has a population of 28,301,696 people as of 2022. According to estimates by the World Bank, the country’s population has begun to decrease steeply since 2015, with its population growth going from 1.1 in 2015 to -2.9 in 2019. 

4. Peru

Population as of 2022: 34,049,588 people

With a population of 34,049,588 people, Peru ranks fourth on our list of the 12 most populated countries in South America. Located in the west of South America, the country houses a section of the Amazon rainforest and is bordered by Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile. 

3. Argentina 

Population as of 2022: 46,234,830 people

Argentina covers a significant portion of the southern part of South America. Its area makes it the second-largest country in South America and the third-largest in terms of population. It houses 46,234,830 people as of 2022, according to estimates by the World Bank. Its area also makes it the eighth-largest country in the world. 

2. Colombia 

Population as of 2022: 51,874,024 people 

Colombia is located in northwestern South America with around 1600 kilometers of its northern coast touching the Caribbean Sea. Its 1300-kilometer-long western coast touches the Pacific Ocean. Colombia has a population of 51,874,024 people as of 2022, according to estimates by the World Bank. That makes it the second most populated country in South America after Brazil, despite a significant difference in the populations of the two countries. 

1. Brazil 

Population as of 2022: 215,313,498 people 

Brazil ranks first on our list of the 12 most populated countries in South America with a population of 215,313,498 people as of 2022. It is the largest country by area in South America and is located in the easternmost area of the region. Brazil takes over half of South America’s land mass and is also the fifth largest country in the world in terms of area. 

You can also look at the 15 Poorest Countries in South America and the Caribbean and the 15 Best Places to Retire in South America.