In this piece, we'll delve into an exploration of the twelve most densely populated nations in South America. If you're eager to bypass the detailed breakdown, you can jump straight to our examination of the five most populous countries in the region.
South America, the southern division of the Americas, stands
as one of the most tranquil continents globally, having been devoid of armed
conflicts since the turn of the 21st century. It is bordered by the Pacific
Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and north, and the Caribbean
Sea to the northwest.
Population Dynamics in South America As per estimations
provided by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Population Division, South America's populace surpassed 434 million in 2021.
While this figure is eclipsed by the populations of individual nations such as
India and China, it underscores the region's significant demographic presence.
With an expansive land area of 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 square
miles), South America ranks as the fourth largest continent, trailing behind
only Asia, Africa, and North America. In terms of population, it occupies the
fifth position globally, following Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. The
most recent statistics from the United Nations Population Division indicate
that South America accounts for approximately 5.47% of the world's total
population.
According to data provided by the World Bank, Latin America
and the Caribbean region experienced a modest annual growth rate of 0.7% in
2022. This rate has been on a downward trajectory since 2014, declining from
1.1% in 2014 to 0.9% in 2018. South America comprises only twelve sovereign
nations, a relatively smaller count compared to other continents. Notably,
Brazil stands out as the largest country both in terms of landmass and
population within the region. However, despite its dominance, Brazil faced
significant internal displacement, with approximately 44,000 individuals
displaced due to disasters in 2022, the highest figure in the region alongside
Colombia, which recorded 41,000 internally displaced persons by the end of the
same year.
An additional report by the Population Reference Bureau
revealed that the majority (68%) of South America's population falls within the
15-64 age bracket, with 22% below the age of 15 and 10% aged 65 or older as of
mid-2023. Bolivia reported the highest fertility rate in the region, with 2.5
lifetime births per woman, while Chile and Uruguay recorded the lowest rates,
with 1.2 and 1.5 lifetime births per woman, respectively.
Economic Perspectives of South American Nations As per a
report from the World Bank, Latin America and the Caribbean have demonstrated
remarkable economic resilience over the past three decades, successfully
navigating challenges such as global uncertainty, mounting debt, inflationary
pressures, and fluctuating commodity prices. These efforts have facilitated a
return to pre-pandemic employment levels within the region.
The report forecasts a 2.3% increase in the region's Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) for 2024, followed by a 2.6% growth in 2025. Notably, the
growth in 2023 was bolstered by robust economic performances from Brazil and
Mexico, the two largest economies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Brazil's
growth was attributed to better-than-expected outcomes in private consumption,
agricultural production, and exports during the first three quarters of 2023,
while Mexico witnessed improved growth in investment and private consumption,
contributing to its surpassing of expectations.
Key Players in South American Economies South America boasts
several influential companies driving its economic engine, including
MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI), Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE), and Petróleo
Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (NYSE:PBR). Let's delve into these entities:
MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI), often referred to as the
"eBay of Latin America," has been operating as an e-commerce platform
since 1999. Based in Argentina, it connects buyers and sellers across various
countries, including Chile, Brazil, and Mexico. MercadoLibre, Inc.
(NASDAQ:MELI) was recognized among the "Americas' Fastest Growing
Companies in 2023" by the Financial Times. Notably, the company increased
its investment in Mexico to $2.5 billion in 2024, up from $1.6 billion in the
previous year, with a focus on expanding warehouses, enhancing technology and
marketing, and improving logistics networks.
Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) stands as a multinational mining
corporation headquartered in Brazil and is widely regarded as the largest
company in Latin America. Operating for over seventy years, Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE)
initially focused on iron ore extraction but has since diversified into the
production and export of various minerals, including copper, nickel, and coal.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) has pledged
to transition to 100% renewable energy for all its operations by 2030. The
company currently operates the Sol do Cerrado solar panel project, which
provides 16% of its energy needs in Brazil.
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) is another
prominent player in the South American economy, tracing its origins back to
1953 as a state-owned oil and gas company in Brazil. Over the years, Petrobras
(NYSE:PBR) has evolved into a diversified organization engaged in petroleum
production, refining, distribution, and extensive exploration activities. In
its Q4 2023 earnings report, Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) announced a revenue of $25.27
billion, surpassing estimates by $15.53 million, with an EPS of $0.85,
exceeding expectations by $0.02. Sergio Caetano, the company's Financial Director,
highlighted the significant value added to the company and society, including
substantial dividends paid to shareholders and contributions to public assets.
With this contextual backdrop, let's now delve into an
examination of the twelve most populous countries in South America.
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