South America Population Pyramid 2011

South America
2011
Population: 394,477,852

Year

-5 -1   2011  +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 2011

The population of South America in 2011 was 394,477,852. That is 11.8% more than in 2001, when the population stood at 352,811,790.

With a median age of 28.7 years, South America had a youth dependency ratio of 38.8 and an old-age dependency ratio of 10.8 per 100 people of working age. The pyramid is stationary: cohort sizes are roughly even through the younger ages, reflecting fertility close to replacement level and slow population change.

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
394,477,852
Median age
28.7
0-14 %
25.9%
65+ %
7.2%
Child dependency
38.8
Old-age dependency
10.8
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 2011?
In 2011, South America's population was 394,477,852.
What is the median age in South America?
The median age in South America is 28.7 years — half the population is younger, half older.
What share of South America's population is over 65 or under 15?
In South America, 25.9% of people are under 15 and 7.2% are 65 or older.
What type of population pyramid does South America have?
South America's pyramid is stationary — similar-sized cohorts through the younger ages, the signature of near-replacement fertility.

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