In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 most populated cities in South America. If you would like to read our discussion on the population trends in South America, you can go to the 15 Most Populated Cities in South America.
5. Lima, Peru
Population: 11.36 million
Lima, the capital of Peru, serves as the country’s primary commercial and industrial center. Central Lima is located at an elevation of 512 feet on the southern bank of the Rímac River, approximately 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean port of Callao. The city has a prominent position within Peru, with the majority of its industrial production and nearly all financial transactions concentrated in Lima. Given its sizable population, Lima functions as the primary market for both domestic and imported goods.
4. Bogota, Colombia
Population: 11.65 million
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia. It is situated in central Colombia within a fertile upland basin, 8,660 feet or 2,640 meters over sea level in the Northern Andes Mountains. The city is arranged in a grid pattern and has many plazas and squares. The city’s modern apartment buildings also stand in contrast to buildings that date from the colonial period.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Population: 13.84 million
Rio de Janeiro is a port city on the Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The city’s location and architecture are unique compared to other Brazilian cities. Between 2010 and 2018, Rio de Janeiro experienced consistent GDP growth, reaching its peak at over 363 billion Brazilian reals. However, from 2018 to 2020, the city’s GDP declined, dropping to around 331 billion Brazilian reals by 2020. In 2021, the city’s GDP climbed back up to 360 billion Brazilian reals.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Population: 15.62 million
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and lies on the shore of the Río de la Plata, 150 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is one of South America’s most important ports. It is also Argentina’s center of commerce, industry, politics, culture, and technology. With a population of over 15 million, Buenos Aires is at the second position on our list of the most populated cities in South America.
1. Sao Paulo, Brazil
Population: 22.81 million
São Paulo is in southeastern Brazil and is one of the major industrial centers in Latin America. The city is situated 220 miles away from Rio de Janeiro and about 30 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean port of Santos. São Paulo has one of the world’s fastest-growing metropolitan populations.
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