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Chiapas Population Overview
Chiapas (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Chiapas) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in the southernmost part of the country. It borders Oaxaca to the west, Veracruz to the northwest, Tabasco to the north, and Guatemala to the east and southeast.
Chiapas is the eighth most populous state in Mexico and the 10th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Chiapas was 5,543,828 (5.54 million), accounting for nearly 4.4% of Mexico’s total population. During 2010–2020, the state recorded a population growth rate of 15.58%.
Based on recent trends, the projected population of Chiapas in 2026 is estimated to be around 6 million.
Chiapas Census 2020 – Key Statistics
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,543,828 (5.54 million) |
| Male Population | 2,705,947 |
| Female Population | 2,837,881 |
| Population Rank | 8th |
| Total Land Area | 73,311 km² (28,306 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 10th |
| Population Density | 76/km² (200/sq mi) |
| Male–Female Ratio | 95.3 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 74.3 years |
| Median Age | 24 years |
| Urban Population | 49% |
| Capital City | Tuxtla Gutiérrez |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
🔗 Also read: Mexico Population – Total Population, Growth & Demographics
Chiapas Historical Population
Chiapas recorded a population growth rate of 15.58% between 2010 and 2020. From 1930 to 2015, the state experienced a largely steady and sustained growth pattern, driven by high fertility rates and natural population increase.
During the early 20th century, Chiapas had a relatively small population. In 1900, the state had only about 361,000 residents, which steadily expanded over the decades. Major population growth occurred after 1950, and especially between 1980 and 1990, when the population increased by more than 54% in a single decade. By 2020, the population had reached 5.54 million.
Chiapas Census Population & Growth (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 360,799 | — | — |
| 1910 | 438,843 | +78,044 | +21.63% |
| 1921 | 421,744 | −17,099 | −3.90% |
| 1930 | 529,983 | +108,239 | +25.66% |
| 1940 | 679,885 | +149,902 | +28.28% |
| 1950 | 907,026 | +227,141 | +33.41% |
| 1960 | 1,210,870 | +303,844 | +33.50% |
| 1970 | 1,569,053 | +358,183 | +29.58% |
| 1980 | 2,084,717 | +515,664 | +32.86% |
| 1990 | 3,210,496 | +1,125,779 | +54.00% |
| 2000 | 3,920,892 | +710,396 | +22.13% |
| 2010 | 4,796,580 | +875,688 | +22.33% |
| 2020 | 5,543,828 | +747,248 | +15.58% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities in Chiapas
Chiapas is a largely rural state, but it has several key urban centers that serve as cultural, economic, and administrative hubs. The state capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, is the largest city and main economic center, followed by Tapachula and San Cristóbal de las Casas.
| Rank | City / Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuxtla Gutiérrez | 578,830 |
| 2 | Tapachula | 217,550 |
| 3 | San Cristóbal de las Casas | 183,509 |
| 4 | Comitán de Domínguez | 113,479 |
| 5 | Chiapa de Corzo | 55,931 |
| 6 | Palenque | 51,797 |
| 7 | Cintalapa | 49,201 |
| 8 | Ocosingo | 47,688 |
| 9 | Ocozocoautla de Espinosa | 43,247 |
| 10 | Tonalá | 38,087 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Cities in Mexico
Religion in Chiapas
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, Christianity remains the dominant religion in Chiapas, though the state shows greater religious diversity compared to many other regions of Mexico.
In 2020, 53.9% of the population identified as Catholic, making it the largest religious group. Protestant and Evangelical Christian communities formed a significant share at 32.4%, reflecting strong growth over recent decades. Meanwhile, 12.5% of residents reported having no religious affiliation, indicating a gradual rise in secularization.
Smaller portions of the population follow unaffiliated or other minority religions.
Religious Composition of Chiapas (2020)
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 53.9% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 32.4% |
| No Religion | 12.5% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 0.3% |
| Other Religions | 0.3% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Chiapas
Chiapas has one of the largest indigenous populations in Mexico. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, approximately 1,459,648 people aged three and above speak an indigenous language in the state, representing a significant portion of its population.
The most widely spoken indigenous languages in Chiapas are:
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Tseltal | 562,120 |
| Tsotsil | 531,662 |
| Ch’ol | 210,771 |
| Tojolabal | 66,092 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
🔗 Also read: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs About Chiapas Population
1. What is the population of Chiapas in 2026?
The projected population of Chiapas in 2026 is around 6 million, based on recent census data and growth trends.
2. What is the population rank of Chiapas in Mexico?
Chiapas is the eighth most populated state in Mexico as per the 2020 Census.
3. What are the main religions in Chiapas?
Christianity is dominant: Catholic (53.9%), Protestant and Evangelical Christian (32.4%), and people with no religion (12.5%).
4. Which indigenous languages are spoken in Chiapas?
The primary indigenous languages are Tseltal, Tsotsil, Ch’ol, and Tojolabal, spoken by over 1.45 million people.
5. What are the largest cities in Chiapas?
The largest cities are Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Tapachula, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and Comitán de Domínguez.
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