South America Population Pyramid 1959

South America
1959
Population: 144,408,197

Year

-5 -1   1959  +1 +5

Country

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
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South America in 1959

In 1959, South America had a total population of 144,408,197 people. With a median age of 19.1 years, South America had a youth dependency ratio of 76.9 and an old-age dependency ratio of 6.0 per 100 people of working age.

The broad-based, expansive shape of the pyramid points to high fertility and strong population growth.

Share of the population by age group, 1950–2100

Data source: United Nations World Population Prospects, 2024 revision (medium variant) — last updated July 2024.

Population
144,408,197
Median age
19.1
0-14 %
42.1%
65+ %
3.3%
Child dependency
76.9
Old-age dependency
6.0
Pyramid shape
Births per woman

The World Bank does not publish this indicator for regions or continents.

Life expectancy at birth

The World Bank does not publish this indicator for regions or continents.

People supported per 100 workers
Dependency ratios, 1950–2100
Children Older adults
20406080
19502100
Where immigrants come from (2024)

12,230,850 immigrants live in South America.

Venezuela6,268,352
Colombia1,317,258
Paraguay587,559
Bolivia561,026
Peru516,754
Where emigrants live (2024)

21,233,109 people born in South America live in other countries.

United States of America4,112,869
Spain3,246,905
Colombia2,951,953
Peru1,719,519
Argentina1,550,287
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Immigration statistics

Source: United Nations International Migrant Stock 2024.

What was the population of South America in 1959?
In 1959, South America's population was 144,408,197.
How old is the population of South America?
South America's median age is 19.1 years.
What share of South America's population is over 65 or under 15?
In South America, 42.1% of people are under 15 and 3.3% are 65 or older.
What shape is South America's population pyramid, and what does it mean?
South America's pyramid is expansive — broad at the bottom, the signature of high birth rates and a growing population.

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