South America Population Pyramid 1996

South America
1996
Population: 327,454,341

Year

-5 -1   1996  +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 1996

As of 1996, South America counted 327,454,342 inhabitants. A decade earlier, in 1986, the population was 273,653,656; it has grown by 19.7% since.

With a median age of 23.8 years, South America had a youth dependency ratio of 53.2 and an old-age dependency ratio of 8.5 per 100 people of working age. 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
327,454,342
Median age
23.8
0-14 %
32.9%
65+ %
5.3%
Child dependency
53.2
Old-age dependency
8.5
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
Explore
Immigration statistics

Source: United Nations International Migrant Stock 2024.

What was the population of South America in 1996?
In 1996, South America's population was 327,454,342.
How old is the population of South America?
The median age in South America is 23.8 years — half the population is younger, half older.
What share of South America's population is over 65 or under 15?
In South America, 32.9% of people are under 15 and 5.3% 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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