South America Population Pyramid 1988

South America
1988
Population: 284,663,430

Year

-5 -1   1988  +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 1988

In 1988, South America had a total population of 284,663,430 people. A decade earlier, in 1978, the population was 230,063,921; it has grown by 23.7% since.

Half of the population was younger than 22.1 years; 36.0% were children under 15 and 4.5% were 65 or older. This is an expansive pyramid — each cohort of children is larger than the one above it, the signature of high birth rates and rapid 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
284,663,430
Median age
22.1
0-14 %
36.0%
65+ %
4.5%
Child dependency
60.6
Old-age dependency
7.6
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.

How many people lived in South America in 1988?
South America had a population of 284,663,430 in 1988.
What is the median age in South America?
The median age in South America is 22.1 years — half the population is younger, half older.
How many children and older people live in South America?
In South America, 36.0% of people are under 15 and 4.5% are 65 or older.
What shape is South America's population pyramid, and what does it mean?
South America has an expansive pyramid: a wide base of young cohorts reflecting high fertility and continued population growth.

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