In 2024, it was estimated that approximately 662 million people lived in Latin America and the Caribbean. Brazil is the most populated country in the region, with an estimated 211.999 million inhabitants in that year, followed by Mexico with more than 130.861 million.

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.

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.

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

The average for 2021 based on 12 countries was 25 people per square km. The highest value was in Ecuador: 72 people per square km and the lowest value was in Guyana: 4 people per square km. The indicator is available from 1961 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The average for 2023 based on 12 countries was 36.69 million. The highest value was in Brazil: 216.42 million and the lowest value was in Suriname: 0.62 million. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The average for 2024 based on 20 countries was 32.16 million. The highest value was in Brazil: 212 million and the lowest value was in Puerto Rico: 3.2 million. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

As of 2023, Venezuela registered a population growth of *** percent, the highest in South America. Bolivia came in second, with *** percent, followed by Paraguay, with *** percent. When it comes to total population in South America, Brazil had the largest number, with over *** million inhabitants this same year.

This dataset provides values for POPULATION reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

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.

As of 2025, Barbados was the most densely populated country in Latin America and the Caribbean, with approximately 657.16 people per square kilometer. In that same year, Argentina's population density was estimated at approximately 16.75 people per square kilometer.

Project Summary: This research, which was eventually published in a 2012 book by Cambridge University Press entitled The Rise of Ethnic Politics in Latin America, focused on the emergence of indigenous parties in Latin America. Specifically, it sought to explain why some parties based in the indigenous population succeeded while others failed. The study focused on the three South American countries with the largest indigenous populations--Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru--but a comparative chapter examined the fate of indigenous parties in the rest of Latin America as well. The central argument of this study is that indigenous-based parties have succeeded in recent years by using inclusive ethnic and populist appeals to reach out to whites and mestizo as well as indigenous people. Indigenous parties, unlike many other ethnic parties, have managed to win support across ethnic lines because the long history of racial mixing in Latin America blurred ethnic boundaries and reduced ethnic polarization. Data Abstract: This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, including interviews, party documents, journalistic accounts, surveys of public opinion and municipal-level census and electoral data. The data consist of notes in Spanish from interviews with prominent party leaders, legislators, interest group representatives, government officials, and pollsters. I selected interviewees who were deemed to have extensive knowledge of the elections and the parties involved in them and the interest groups that supported them. I was particularly interested in interviewees who were knowledgeable about or involved with the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) in Bolivia, Pachakutik in Ecuador, the Partido Nacionalista Peruano (PNP) in Peru, and Winaq in Guatemala. The interviews were conducted in 10 summer research trips to Latin America between 2002 and 2008. The interviews were unstructured in nature and were conducted by the author.

As of 2023, the largest segment of the population in Latin America falls within the age group of 19 to 30 years, which consists of the youth population. This age range comprises approximately 127.9 million individuals across the countries encompassing the region.

The South American energy drink market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.86% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Rising disposable incomes across the region, particularly amongst young adults and working professionals, are increasing consumer spending on discretionary items like energy drinks. The increasing prevalence of hectic lifestyles and demanding work schedules further contributes to this growth, as consumers seek convenient and effective ways to boost energy levels and improve performance. Furthermore, the market is witnessing a significant trend towards healthier, functional energy drinks with natural ingredients and reduced sugar content, appealing to health-conscious consumers. However, challenges remain. Government regulations concerning sugar content and labeling are influencing product formulations and marketing strategies. Competition from established beverage giants like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, as well as regional players, creates a dynamic and competitive landscape. Finally, fluctuating economic conditions in some South American countries can impact consumer spending patterns and market growth. The market is segmented by product type (drinks, shots, mixers), packaging (bottles, cans, other), and distribution channels (on-trade, off-trade encompassing supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail). Brazil and Argentina represent the largest market segments, driven by their substantial populations and established beverage consumption cultures. The “Rest of South America” segment shows considerable potential for future expansion, although its current market share is smaller. Major players like Red Bull, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and regional brands like AJE Group and Ambev are vying for market share through product innovation, targeted marketing, and strategic distribution partnerships. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, product diversification, and expanding distribution networks. However, careful attention to regulatory changes and economic volatility is crucial for sustained success in this dynamic market. Recent developments include: In November 2022, Grupo Petrópolis launched a range of fruit-based energy drinks under the brand name TNT Energy Drink. The first flavor of the extended product line is Mango Summer, which consists of a mix of fruits with a high presence of mango flavor. It is available in 473ml and 269ml cans in the South American market., In May 2022, Coca-Cola's energy drink company Monster Beverage Corporation launched multiple new products across South America. The company launched VR46 The Doctor in Argentina and expanded its product offering in Chile by introducing Melon Mania Lemon Heads and Organce Dreamsicle. Additionally, the company launched Monster Mango Loco in Colombia and Monster Ultra Gold in Puerto Rico., In February 2022, Acer Inc., a Taiwan-based hardware and electronic gadgets manufacturer launched the PredatorShot energy drink for gamers in Brazil. The company claims that it contains taurine and caffeine which stimulate concentration and deliver more energy to the players during online matches. The product has been introduced in the country with a price of USD 7.42 (pack of 6 cans of 269 ml) which can be purchased through the online Acer online store.. Notable trends are: Foodservice and E-commerce Channels Significantly Creating Shelf Space to Energy Drinks.

The Latin American banking industry is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $2.14 billion in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% through 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The surge in fintech adoption across Brazil, Mexico, and other major economies within the region is a significant catalyst. Increased smartphone penetration and internet access are democratizing financial services, particularly benefiting the previously underserved segments of the population. Government initiatives promoting financial inclusion and regulatory changes that encourage innovation in the banking sector are also contributing to this growth. Furthermore, the increasing demand for digital banking solutions, including API-based and cloud-based Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) offerings, is driving the market's expansion. Companies such as Nubank, Neon, and RappiPay are leading this digital transformation, leveraging technology to offer more accessible and convenient financial services. The market is segmented by component (platform and service), type of BaaS, enterprise size (large and SME), and end-user (banks, fintechs, and others), each exhibiting unique growth trajectories. While challenges remain, such as regulatory hurdles in certain countries and cybersecurity risks associated with digital banking, the overall outlook for the Latin American banking industry remains optimistic, driven by strong technological adoption and a growing demand for modern financial solutions. The significant growth is primarily concentrated in countries with a substantial population and developing digital infrastructure. Brazil and Mexico, for instance, are expected to contribute the most to overall market value, driven by a large unbanked population and increasing adoption of mobile payment solutions. However, countries like Argentina and Chile also contribute significantly to the growth, showcasing varied adoption levels and preferences among different markets. The competitive landscape is marked by the emergence of innovative fintech players alongside established traditional banks. The increasing strategic partnerships between fintech companies and established banks is reshaping the landscape and fostering further innovation. While growth is anticipated across all segments, the API-based BaaS and cloud-based BaaS segments are poised for exceptional growth due to their scalability and cost-effectiveness. The strategic focus should be on leveraging these technologies, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, and navigating evolving regulatory frameworks to capitalize on the growth opportunities within this dynamic market. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamic Latin American banking industry, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a focus on the key trends shaping this rapidly evolving sector, the report offers invaluable insights for investors, financial institutions, and fintech companies seeking to navigate this lucrative yet complex market. The study utilizes 2025 as its base year and provides estimations for 2025, with a forecast extending to 2033, drawing upon historical data from 2019-2024. Recent developments include: July 2023: Uala, the Latin American multi-banking fintech, announced a partnership with Western Union. This partnership will enable users of the application to receive money on their smartphones from other users across the globe., January 2023: Nubank, a digital financial service platform, secured a loan of over USD 150 Million from IFC. This will help the company to strengthen its operations and expand access to financial services in Colombia.. Key drivers for this market are: Rise of Internet of Things Devices is Driving The Market, Rise in Cloud Computing Technology is Driving The Market. Potential restraints include: Rise of Internet of Things Devices is Driving The Market, Rise in Cloud Computing Technology is Driving The Market. Notable trends are: Rise in Latin America Fintech Funding as a Driver.

The South American craft beer market, currently experiencing robust growth, is projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.40% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. A rising middle class with increased disposable income fuels demand for premium beverages, including craft beers. Furthermore, a growing awareness of diverse beer styles and flavors, coupled with the increasing popularity of craft beer culture, particularly among younger demographics, significantly contributes to market growth. The strong presence of both established international players like Anheuser-Busch InBev and Heineken, alongside a vibrant ecosystem of local and regional breweries such as Bogota Beer Company and Patagonia Brewery, fosters competition and innovation, further boosting market dynamism. Brazil, with its large population and established beer-drinking culture, is expected to remain the largest market within the region. However, other countries like Argentina are also witnessing substantial growth, driven by increasing tourism and a burgeoning craft beer scene. Distribution channels are evolving, with a notable shift towards online sales complementing traditional on-trade and off-trade (offline) channels. The market segmentation reveals significant opportunities. While ales, pilsners, and pale lagers constitute a substantial share, the specialty beer segment is experiencing the fastest growth, reflecting consumer preferences for unique and experimental flavors. Challenges remain, however, including regulatory hurdles in some countries and potential fluctuations in raw material costs which could impact pricing and profitability. Despite these challenges, the South American craft beer market demonstrates considerable potential for continued expansion, driven by favorable demographic and economic trends, increasing consumer sophistication, and a dynamic competitive landscape. The forecast period (2025-2033) promises lucrative opportunities for both established and emerging players. Strategic expansion into new markets within South America, diversification of product offerings, and targeted marketing campaigns focused on specific consumer segments will be crucial for success in this evolving marketplace. Recent developments include: In April 2022, Anheuser-Busch's Brazilian brewer, Ambev invested USD 154 million in a new eco-sustainable glass plant in Parana, Brazil. The new glass plant provides sustainable glass bottles for the packaging of craft beer. The glass plant is able to run on biofuels, use cutting-edge technology to assure excellent water and energy efficiency, and operate on 100% renewable electricity., In March 2022, Heineken Launched the world's first virtual beer for the metaverse. At a product launch event held at Heineken's virtual brewery, the virtual beer was introduced. The company brought actual journalists to the launch ceremony of the phony beer in order to promote the product as a true virtual product., In August 2021, Feral Brewing co. launched Runt pale ale. The pale ale craft beer has a strong new flavor that gives it a tropical punch, along with flavors of stone fruit and wood. It's a mid-strength alternative with a 3.5% ABV.. Notable trends are: The increasing number of microbreweries elevates the demand for craft beer.

The size of the South America Sugar Substitutes Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 3.23% during the forecast period. The South America sugar substitutes market encompasses a range of products designed to provide sweetness while reducing or eliminating the caloric and glycemic impact associated with traditional sugar. These substitutes include both artificial and natural sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, are chemically synthesized and often used in low-calorie and sugar-free products. Natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol are derived from plant sources and are gaining popularity due to increasing consumer demand for clean-label and healthier options. The market is driven by growing health consciousness among consumers, rising rates of obesity and diabetes, and government initiatives promoting sugar reduction in food and beverages. Additionally, the food and beverage industry's focus on reformulating products to meet these demands further fuels the market's expansion. In South America, countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are key markets due to their large populations and increasing consumer awareness of health issues. However, the market faces challenges such as regulatory complexities and competition from traditional sugar industries, which are deeply rooted in the region's economy. Key drivers for this market are: Surge in Diabetic Population drives sweetener market, Growing demand for natural sweetener-infused beverage products. Potential restraints include: Stringent government regulations on food product claims. Notable trends are: Increasing Lifestyle-associated Diseases With Consumption Of Sugar Are Driving The Market.

South America RTE Food Market size was valued at USD 14.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 30.5 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2026 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Rapid Urbanization and An Expanding Middle Class: The World Bank's 2023 statistics show that 81% of South America's population lives in cities, with São Paulo and Buenos Aires having the highest densities. This metropolitan population has less time for traditional meal preparation, which increases the demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) choices. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the middle class in South American countries increased by around 13% between 2015 and 2022, indicating a sizable customer base with discretionary money for prepared foods.

As of February 2025, Brazil had approximately 183 million internet users. That is more than Mexico and Argentina combined, the two ranking second and third respectively. Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic featured the largest number of internet users.

Central and South American countries with associated IPCC sub-regions.