The statistic shows the largest countries in South America, based on land area. Brazil is the largest country by far, with a total area of over 8.5 million square kilometers, followed by Argentina, with almost 2.8 million square kilometers.

Based on land area, Brazil is the largest country in Latin America by far, with a total area of over 8.5 million square kilometers. Argentina follows with almost 2.8 million square kilometers. Cuba, whose surface area extends over almost 111,000 square kilometers, is the Caribbean country with the largest territory.

Brazil: a country with a lot to offer

Brazil's borders reach nearly half of the South American subcontinent, making it the fifth-largest country in the world and the third-largest country in the Western Hemisphere. Along with its landmass, Brazil also boasts the largest population and economy in the region. Although Brasília is the capital, the most significant portion of the country's population is concentrated along its coastline in the cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

South America: a region of extreme geographic variation

With the Andes mountain range in the West, the Amazon Rainforest in the East, the Equator in the North, and Cape Horn as the Southern-most continental tip, South America has some of the most diverse climatic and ecological terrains in the world. At its core, its biodiversity can largely be attributed to the Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, and the Amazon river, the world's largest river. However, with this incredible wealth of ecology also comes great responsibility. In the past decade, roughly 80,000 square kilometers of the Brazilian Amazon were destroyed. And, as of late 2019, there were at least 1,000 threatened species in Brazil alone.

In 2024, Brazil and Mexico were expected to be the countries with the largest gross domestic product (GDP) in Latin America and the Caribbean. In that year, Brazil's GDP could reach an estimated value of 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars, whereas Mexico's amounted to almost two trillion U.S. dollars. GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a given year. It measures the economic strength of a country and a positive change indicates economic growth.

As of 2021, Ecuador had a population density of 72 people per squared kilometer, the highest in South America. Colombia ranked second, with 42 people per km2 of land area. When it comes to total population in South America, Brazil had the largest number, with over 216 million inhabitants.

In 2023, it was estimated that approximately 664 million people lived in Latin America and the Caribbean. Brazil is the most populated country in the region, with an estimated 216.4 million inhabitants in that year, followed by Mexico with more than 128.5 million.

As of September 2024, Brazil was home to ****** million Facebook users. In Latin America, it was followed by Mexico and Colombia with approximately *** million and ** million Facebook users, respectively. In the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic was the country with the largest number of people on the social media platform. Facebook’s forecasted future Brazil is expected to continue building up its Facebook audience in the coming years. It is estimated that by 2025, the South American nation will reach nearly ***** million users on the social network. By that same year, more than ***** million Mexicans are forecast to be on Facebook, according to another source. Despite such awaited growth, Facebook’s market share decreased in most of the six largest Latin American countries between 2019 and 2020 – the exception was Chile, where an increase of *** percent was recorded. Concurrently, Instagram, also owned by Facebook, Inc., experienced an increase in its market share across the region. Pandemic Facebook posting In March 2020, when COVID-19 was officially characterized by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, Facebook users in Brazil made nearly ** percent more posts than they had during the same month a year prior. Furthermore, the contents of posts addressing the virus, made during the month of March throughout Latin America, were more visual than textual. Namely, ** percent of posts using the words ‘coronavirus’ or ‘COVID-19’ consisted of videos and almost ********* of them contained photos, whereas only *** percent included users’ statuses. At that same time, Latin American governments flocked to the social network to communicate with the region's inhabitants, increasing their Facebook posting behavior by almost ** percent in one year.

Guyana was the South American country 20360the highest gross national income per capita, with 20,360 U.S. dollars per person in 2023. Uruguay ranked second, registering a GNI of 19,530 U.S. dollars per person, based on current prices. Gross national income (GNI) is the aggregated sum of the value added by residents in an economy, plus net taxes (minus subsidies) and net receipts of primary income from abroad. Which are the largest Latin American economies? Based on annual gross domestic product, which is the total amount of goods and services produced in a country per year, Brazil leads the regional ranking, followed by Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. Many Caribbean countries and territories hold the highest GDP per capita in this region, measurement that reflects how GDP would be divided if it was perfectly equally distributed among the population. GNI per capita is, however, a more exact calculation of wealth than GDP per capita, as it takes into consideration taxes paid and income receipts from abroad. How much inequality is there in Latin America? In many Latin American countries, more than half the total wealth created in their economies is held by the richest 20 percent of the population. When a small share of the population concentrates most of the wealth, millions of people don't have enough to make ends meet. For instance, in Brazil, about 5.32 percent of the population lives on less than 3.2 U.S. dollars per day.

In 2022, Mexico was the country in Latin America with the largest pay TV subscribers base with ** million subscribers, followed by Brazil with ***** million and Argentina with **** million. By 2028, Mexico is expected to decrease their number of pay TV subscribers, while Brazil is expected to see a slight increase.

The South America Wine Market is segmented by Product Type (Still Wine, Sparkling Wine, Fortified Wine, and Vermouth), Color (Red Wine, Rose Wine, and White Wine), Distribution Channel (On-trade and Off-trade), and Geography (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South America). The report offers market sizes and forecasts (in USD million) for the above segments.

In 2025, approximately 23 million people lived in the São Paulo metropolitan area, making it the biggest in Latin America and the Caribbean and the sixth most populated in the world. The homonymous state of São Paulo was also the most populous federal entity in the country. The second place for the region was Mexico City with 22.75 million inhabitants. Brazil's cities Brazil is home to two large metropolises, only counting the population within the city limits, São Paulo had approximately 11.45 million inhabitants, and Rio de Janeiro around 6.21 million inhabitants. It also contains a number of smaller, but well known cities such as Brasília, Salvador, Belo Horizonte and many others, which report between 2 and 3 million inhabitants each. As a result, the country's population is primarily urban, with nearly 88 percent of inhabitants living in cities. Mexico City Mexico City's metropolitan area ranks sevenths in the ranking of most populated cities in the world. Founded over the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan in 1521 after the Spanish conquest as the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, the city still stands as one of the most important in Latin America. Nevertheless, the preeminent economic, political, and cultural position of Mexico City has not prevented the metropolis from suffering the problems affecting the rest of the country, namely, inequality and violence. Only in 2023, the city registered a crime incidence of 52,723 reported cases for every 100,000 inhabitants and around 24 percent of the population lived under the poverty line.

Throughout 2024, Brazil reported nearly 279,000 wildfire outbreaks, by far the highest figure in South America. Bolivia registered the second-largest number of wildfires in the region that year, at over 90,000. On the other hand, 276 wildfires were detected in Uruguay during the reported period, the lowest number amongst South American countries and territories. The lungs of the world Spanning nine different countries, the Amazon rainforest makes up approximately 40 percent of South America. Predominantly encompassed by Brazil, the government has made some efforts towards protecting what is left of the world's most abundant tropical rainforest. Over five million square kilometers of land area lie under a special regime designated as the Legal Amazon in Brazil. Nevertheless, wildfires in the region remain a cause for concern. In 2024, over 192,000 outbreaks were registered in the Legal Amazon, accounting for more than half of the country's occurrences that year. Brazil's blind ambition At the heart of the issue of wildfires is deforestation as a technique to expand land for farming and pastures. Along with the incremental rise in wildfires, the Amazon's deforestation rate has seen a continual increase for most of the decade. As Brazil climbs global markets to become the leading producer of soybean and beef, the country's agricultural ambitions have led to the lightening of environmental restrictions and the re-allocation of land for farming purposes. In turn, the area planted with crops in the Legal Amazon has nearly tripled since 2000.

In 2022, Brazil produced the largest volume of primary aluminum in South America, at over ******* metric tons. Venezuela produced the lowest volume of primary aluminum in that continent that year, with a volume of ***** metric tons.

The Latin American condominiums and apartments market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for modern, convenient living spaces. The market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025 (assuming a reasonable market size based on similar developing markets and the provided CAGR), is projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% through 2033. Key growth drivers include increasing tourism in popular destinations like Mexico and Brazil, the expansion of the middle class seeking improved housing, and government initiatives promoting real estate development. However, economic instability in certain regions, regulatory hurdles, and fluctuations in construction material costs pose potential restraints to growth. The market is segmented by country (with Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina representing the largest segments), property type (luxury vs. affordable), and location (urban vs. suburban). Significant investment from both domestic and international players like Tishman Speyer, Hines Group, and others, indicates strong investor confidence and contributes to the market's expansion. Consumption analysis reveals a strong demand for apartments, especially in larger metropolitan areas, fueled by younger demographics and rising rental costs. Import and export analyses indicate potential for increased international collaboration in construction materials and specialized building technologies. Price trends suggest that property values will continue to appreciate, though the rate may fluctuate due to macroeconomic conditions. Further analysis indicates regional disparities. While Brazil and Mexico lead in market size and development, countries like Colombia and Peru are experiencing notable growth owing to burgeoning economies and increased foreign direct investment in their real estate sectors. The competitive landscape is dynamic with both large multinational developers and local players vying for market share. The sustained growth is expected to lead to increased job creation within the construction and real estate industries and further contribute to the economic development across Latin America. The market’s future prospects are positive, though maintaining economic stability and addressing regulatory challenges will be crucial for realizing the full potential of this growing sector. Recent developments include: December 2022: Casai, a tech-driven apartment rental company, is merging with Nomah, a rental company based in Brazil. The merger will create the largest short-term rental company in Latin America, with over 3,000 units in Brazil and Mexico., December 2022: Northmarq arranged the sale of two Albuquerque apartment communities. The assets were sold by ABQ Encore LLC and Uptown Horizon Apartments LLC to Crescent Sky Real Estate Partners' CS ABQ Encore and CA ABQ Uptown. ABQ Encore, located at 810 Eubank Blvd. NE has 129 residences divided into 331-square-foot studio units and 551-square-foot one-bedroom units.. Notable trends are: Increasing Sales of Apartments Driving the Market.

The South and Central American Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) market, valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 4.5% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is primarily driven by increasing oil and gas exploration and production activities across the region, particularly in Brazil and Argentina. Significant investments in infrastructure development and the ongoing expansion of existing oil fields are key catalysts. Furthermore, the rising demand for higher-grade OCTGs, reflecting a focus on enhanced drilling efficiency and well integrity, fuels market growth. The seamless OCTG segment holds a larger market share compared to Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) due to its superior strength and durability, particularly in challenging geological conditions. However, the market faces challenges including fluctuating oil prices, political and economic instability in certain countries, and potential supply chain disruptions. Despite these headwinds, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by continued investments in the energy sector and the region's abundant hydrocarbon resources. The regional distribution of the market is skewed towards Brazil, which accounts for the largest share due to its considerable oil production capacity and extensive upstream investments. Argentina and Venezuela also contribute significantly, although their market shares may fluctuate depending on political and economic conditions. The "Rest of South and Central America" segment shows promising, albeit slower, growth potential, primarily driven by exploration activities in less-developed areas and increased investment from international players. Key players like ArcelorMittal SA, Tenaris SA, and Vallourec SA are strategically positioning themselves within the region, leveraging their technological capabilities and established supply chains to capture market share. The market's segmentation by manufacturing process (seamless vs. ERW) and grade (premium vs. API) allows companies to tailor their offerings to specific client requirements and maximize their market penetration. The ongoing trend toward utilizing advanced materials and technologies will continue to shape the competitive landscape, requiring manufacturers to invest in research and development to maintain their market position. Recent developments include: In November 2022, Vallourec SA, a multinational manufacturing company, planned to start a new business in Brazil. The new business will mainly focus on manufacturing 18 5/8" OCTG pipes., In June 2022, Energia Argentina and Tenaris SA, a global manufacturer and supplier of OCTG products, signed an agreement to supply welded and seamless pipes for the Presidente Nestor Kirchner Gas construction Pipeline (GPNK) in Argentina. Tenaris mills in Buenos Aires, Valentín Alsina, will start the operations to supply welded pipes for the GPNK.. Notable trends are: Premium Grade Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Demand.

Brazil, the most populated country and the economy with the highest GDP in Latin America, had the largest market research revenue in the region in 2022. Out of all the Latin American and Caribbean countries included in the study, Brazil ranked first, with a market research revenue of *** million U.S. dollars, followed by Mexico, with *** million U.S. dollars.

The South American high-voltage switchgear market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing investments in power infrastructure development and the expanding electricity demand across Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and the rest of the region. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 6% from 2019 to 2033 indicates a significant market expansion. Key drivers include modernization of aging grids, rising industrialization, and government initiatives promoting renewable energy integration. The transmission & distribution utilities segment dominates the end-user landscape, reflecting the critical role of reliable power transmission. Growth within the commercial and residential sectors is also noteworthy, fueled by increasing urbanization and rising energy consumption in these segments. While the market faces challenges such as economic fluctuations and potential supply chain disruptions, the long-term outlook remains positive due to continued infrastructure development and the growing need for reliable and efficient power distribution. Gas-insulated switchgear holds a significant market share, attributed to its superior performance and safety features compared to air-insulated alternatives. Major players like ABB, Schneider Electric, and Siemens, along with significant regional players, are competing fiercely to capture market share, leading to innovation in product design and service offerings. Considering the substantial growth and expansion observed, the market size in 2025 is estimated to be around $1.5 Billion USD (a reasonable assumption based on a projected CAGR and considering the significant size and investment potential in South America). The market segmentation reflects the diverse needs within the South American region. Brazil, as the largest economy in the region, is the leading market for high-voltage switchgear, followed by Argentina and Colombia. While precise figures for each country are unavailable, a logical distribution based on economic size and infrastructure development suggests Brazil holds approximately 40% of the market, with Argentina and Colombia holding 25% and 15% respectively. The remaining 20% is attributed to the “Rest of South America” segment, encompassing smaller but growing markets. Further market growth will be influenced by government policies promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, and the continued investment in large-scale infrastructure projects across the region. Competitive intensity will remain high, driving innovation and potentially leading to price adjustments and improved product offerings. Recent developments include: July 2022: Alstom signed a contract for the 700-meter double-track expansion of the VLT (tramway) system in Rio de Janeiro, which will provide an integrated terminal connection to a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and interconnection with the bus station in the city, which is expected to increase the demand of high voltage switch gears in the country., January 2022: Alstom secured three new contracts that will contribute to improving Argentina's transit infrastructure: track, bridges, tunnels, signal systems, vehicles, and stations which will help ensure safe, accessible, and dependable services.. Notable trends are: Gas-Insulated Switchgear to Witness a Significant Growth.

In 2019, Brazil and Mexico were the undisputable passenger traffic hubs in Latin America and the Caribbean, registering each over 90 million air travelers passing through their airports. At a wide margin, Colombia ranked third that year, while the only Caribbean country in the top seven was the Dominican Republic. That same year, the Mexico City International Airport was the best internationally connected airport in Latin America.

The South American lipid market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.20% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increasing demand for functional foods and dietary supplements enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is a significant contributor. The growing awareness of the health benefits of lipids, particularly their role in brain function, cardiovascular health, and immune support, fuels consumer preference for lipid-enhanced products. Furthermore, the burgeoning food and beverage industry in South America, coupled with the expansion of the animal feed sector, necessitates a substantial supply of lipids. The region's expanding population and rising disposable incomes further contribute to increased consumption. However, the market faces challenges, including fluctuations in raw material prices and stringent regulatory frameworks concerning food additives and supplements. The competitive landscape is relatively concentrated, with major players such as BASF SE, Croda International PLC, and Cargill Incorporated dominating the market. Nevertheless, opportunities exist for smaller companies to carve a niche by focusing on specialized lipid products or catering to specific regional demands. Growth within segments will vary; the Phospholipids and Omega-3 & Omega-6 categories are likely to witness higher growth rates due to expanding applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Specific growth within the South American region is likely to be influenced by individual country economic performance and regulatory changes. Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, as the largest economies in the region, will likely dominate the market share. However, other countries like Colombia and Peru are expected to witness increased growth due to rising middle-class populations and increasing health consciousness. The market segmentation by application (Food & Beverage, Nutrition & Supplements, Feed, Pharmaceuticals) presents a diverse range of opportunities. The Pharmaceuticals segment is projected to see robust growth due to the increasing use of lipids in drug delivery systems and as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The Feed segment is expected to show steady growth, driven by demand from poultry and aquaculture industries. Careful consideration of these factors will be crucial for market players aiming to capitalize on the growth opportunities presented by the South American lipid market. Notable trends are: The Increasing Demand for Lipids in the Food and Beverage Industry.

As of June 2024, Brazil accounted for the largest number of Facebook Messenger users in Latin America and the Caribbean, with approximately 115 million users. This was followed by Mexico and Colombia, with 97 million and more than 37 million Messenger users, respectively. These three countries were also among the Latin American countries with the highest numbers of Facebook users.

In 2024,Mexico led the ranking of countries with the largest number of active military personnel in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 412,000 soldiers. It was followed by Brazil with 360,000 military personnel.