The 10 Largest South American Cities By Population

The 10 Largest South American Cities By Population

South America boasts vibrant and populous cities that reflect the region's rich cultural diversity. From bustling metropolises to urban hubs steeped in history, this list explores the 10 largest South American cities by population.

1/10 São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo, Brazil is the largest city in the country and the most populous city in the Americas. It is the capital of the state of São Paulo and is located in the southeastern region of the country. As of 2023, the population of São Paulo  was estimated to be around 22.6 million. The city is known as a global financial, economic and cultural hub, and is home to a diverse population that is made up of many different ethnicities and cultures. The city is also home to the largest African population in Latin America and the highest concentration of Japanese people outside of Japan. With its diverse population, São Paulo is a vibrant and bustling city that is a melting pot of cultures. 

2/10 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and the most populous city in the country. According to 2023 estimates, the population of Buenos Aires metropolitan area is 15.5 million. It is known as the "Paris of South America" and has a cosmopolitan feel with a mix of European and Latin American influences. The majority of the population is of European descent and the city is home to many different ethnic groups. The city has a wide variety of cultural events, including tango shows, theater, and opera performances. It is a vibrant and diverse city, with many interesting neighborhoods and attractions. Buenos Aires is known for its lively nightlife, great restaurants, and impressive architecture. 

3/10 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is the second most populous city in Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. As of 2015, its population is estimated to be 13.7 million. Rio de Janeiro is a major port city and is renowned for its culture, music, and art. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife and beaches. The city is also home to many different ethnicities and religions, ranging from African to European, and from Catholic to Protestant. The city has a diverse economic base, with its main industries being tourism, commerce, and manufacturing. Rio de Janeiro is known for its beautiful architectural landmarks, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain, and the Sambodromo. 

4/10 Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia is the largest city in Colombia and the capital of the country. It is located in the Andean highlands of South America. As of 2015, it has a population of 11.5 million people in the greater metropolitan area. The city is well-known for its diverse ethnic makeup, with people of Spanish, African, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and other backgrounds. The majority of the population is of mixed ancestry and speaks Spanish as their primary language. Bogotá is a vibrant and growing city that is home to many universities, cultural attractions, and businesses. It is an important transportation hub for Colombia and a major financial center. The city has a rich history, from its 16th-century founding to its modern day status as a hub for innovation and development. 

5/10 Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru is the capital and largest city in the country, with a population of over 11.2 million, as of 2023. The city is made up of 31 districts, each with its own unique culture and atmosphere. The city is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. The residents of Lima are diverse, hailing from different backgrounds, including Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian. The most common language spoken in Lima is Spanish, although Quechua is also widely spoken. Lima is the most populated city in Peru, making up over one-third of the country’s total population. The city is also home to a large number of foreign residents, as well as a wide variety of immigrants from countries such as China, Japan, and the Middle East. Due to its size, Lima has attracted a great variety of businesses and industries, from tourism to finance to technology. 

6/10 Santiago, Chile

Santiago, Chile

Santiago, Chile is the capital and largest city of Chile, with an estimated population of 6.9 million people in 2023. The city is situated in the central valley of the country, between the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Range. It is one of the most populous cities in Latin America, and is an important cultural, political and economic center for the region. The population is diverse, with a majority of mestizo people of mixed European and Native American descent. There is also a significant population of European immigrants and their descendants. 

7/10 Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Belo Horizonte is the sixth largest city in Brazil and the capital of the state of Minas Gerais. As of 2020, it has an estimated population of 6.2 million. Belo Horizonte is known for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere, with festivals and events taking place throughout the year. The city is also a major educational and industrial center, and the metropolitan region is home to several universities, research centers, and businesses. The economy is based mainly on commerce and industry, with the textile, metalworking, and automotive industries being particularly important. The city is well-connected, with a number of highways, a railway system, and an international airport. Residents enjoy a warm and humid climate, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 26°C. Belo Horizonte is a diverse city, with residents from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Portuguese is the official language, but many people also speak English, Spanish, and French. 

8/10 Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is the country's largest city and one of the most populous in South America. The population of Caracas metropolitan area is approximately 5.3 million. The city is known for its vibrant culture, history, and nightlife, as well as its diverse population. Caracas is home to different ethnic and racial backgrounds, including indigenous, African, and European, as well as a large population of immigrants from other Latin American countries. The city is a hub for international business and finance, and is home to a variety of industries. 

9/10 Porto Alegre, Brazil

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Porto Alegre is the capital of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul and is one of the most populous cities in the country. The population of  Porto Alegre metropolitan area is 4.2 million. It is located in the southernmost part of Brazil, near the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The city is known for its vibrant cultural and artistic scenes, as well as its excellent cuisine. Porto Alegre is home to many different ethnicities, including Portuguese, Italian, German, Spanish, and African Brazilians. The city is a major industrial center and has a strong economy. The city is known for its strong educational institutions and its advanced healthcare system. It is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its numerous attractions such as its beautiful beaches, lagoons, and parks. 

10/10 Brasília, Brazil

Brasília, Brazil

Brasília is the capital of Brazil and is located in the Central-West Region of the country. As of 2020, the population of Brasília is approximately 4.2 million. The city is divided into 31 administrative regions, and is the fourth most populous city in Brazil. The population of Brasília is highly diverse and is composed of people from all over the country. The city is known for its modernist architecture and urban design, which is the result of its creation by urban planner Lúcio Costa in the 1950s. The city is also home to a number of government buildings, universities, and cultural institutions such as the National Congress, the Supreme Federal Court, and the National Museum of the Republic. Brasília is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a number of bars, clubs, and restaurants located throughout the city. The city is also home to a number of immigrants from other parts of the world, mainly from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 

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