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Brazil Population (2026 Overview)
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (República Federativa do Brasil), is the largest country in South America and the seventh-most populous country in the world. It is also the fifth-largest country by land area, covering 8.46 million sq. km, which gives Brazil relatively low population density compared to other major nations.
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Brazil’s population reached 203.1 million in 2022, reflecting a 6.5% increase since the 2010 census. Population growth has slowed in recent years due to declining fertility rates, urbanization, and an aging population, a trend common across Latin America.
Based on United Nations and national statistical projections, the population of Brazil in 2026 is estimated at around 214 million, maintaining its position as the most populous country in South America and accounting for about 2.6% of the world’s population.
👉 Projected Population of Brazil (2026): ~214 million
Future Population Projection
Brazil’s population is projected to peak in the early 2040s and then begin a gradual decline due to low fertility rates and population aging. While short-term growth will continue, long-term projections indicate a shift from population expansion to stabilization and decline by the end of the century.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2030 | ~220 million |
| 2050 | ~218 million |
| 2100 | ~175–180 million |
Source: United Nations World Population Prospects (medium variant)
Brazil Population Facts (2025–2026)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population (July 1, 2025) | 213,421,037 |
| Estimated Population (2026) | ~214,000,000 |
| Global Population Rank | 7th |
| Share of World Population | ~2.6% |
| Land Area | 8,460,415 sq. km (3,266,584 sq. mi) |
| Area Rank (Global) | 5th |
| Population Density | ~25.1 people per sq. km |
also read about Religion in Brazil
Brazil Historical Population
Brazil’s census data highlights the country’s transformation from a sparsely populated nation in the late 19th century into one of the world’s most populous countries. The strongest population growth occurred during the mid-20th century, driven by high fertility rates, falling mortality, and rapid urbanization. Since the 1990s, Brazil’s population growth rate has steadily slowed, reflecting declining birth rates, improved education levels, and changing family structures.
Historical Census Population of Brazil
| Census Year | Population | Avg. Annual Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 14,333,915 | — |
| 1900 | 17,438,434 | +1.98% |
| 1920 | 30,635,605 | +2.86% |
| 1940 | 41,236,315 | +1.50% |
| 1950 | 51,944,397 | +2.34% |
| 1960 | 70,992,343 | +3.17% |
| 1970 | 94,508,583 | +2.90% |
| 1980 | 121,150,573 | +2.51% |
| 1991 | 146,917,459 | +1.77% |
| 2000 | 169,872,856 | +1.63% |
| 2010 | 190,755,799 | +1.17% |
| 2022 | 203,080,756 | +0.52% |
Source: Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)
Race and Ethnicity in Brazil
Brazil is a highly multi-ethnic nation, shaped by Indigenous roots, European colonization, African ancestry, and later migration from Asia and other regions. Racial identity in Brazil is self-declared and reflects both ancestry and social perception rather than strict lineage.
According to the 2010 Brazilian Census, nearly half of Brazilians identified as White, while a similarly large share identified as Pardo (mixed race). Smaller but significant portions identified as Black, East Asian, or Indigenous, highlighting the country’s deep racial and cultural diversity.
Brazil Racial Composition
| Race / Ethnicity | Population (2010) | Share of Population |
|---|---|---|
| Brancos (White) | 91,051,646 | 47.70% |
| Pardos (Multiracial) | 82,277,333 | 43.10% |
| Pretos (Black / African) | 14,517,961 | 7.60% |
| Amarelos (East Asian) | 2,084,288 | 1.10% |
| Indígenas (Indigenous) | 817,963 | 0.40% |
| Undeclared | 6,608 | 0.00% |
Source: Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), 2010 Census
Religion in Brazil (Overview)
Christianity is the dominant religion in Brazil, and the country has the second-largest Christian population in the world. Brazil is also home to the largest Roman Catholic population globally, making Catholicism the single largest religious affiliation in the country.
According to the 2010 Brazilian Census, about 64.6% of Brazilians identified as Roman Catholic, while 22.2% followed Protestant denominations. Other belief systems, such as Spiritism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam, are practiced by smaller communities. In recent decades, the share of people reporting no religious affiliation has increased, particularly in urban areas.
More recent survey-based data from the Latinobarómetro 2023 study (n=1,204) indicates that Catholicism remains the majority faith at 52.8%, while Evangelical Christians collectively account for roughly one-quarter of respondents. The survey also shows a continued rise in religious disaffiliation, with 13.6% identifying as having no religion, especially among younger Brazilians.
Religious Affiliation in Brazil (2010 Census)
| Religion / Affiliation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Christianity (Total) | 88.77% |
| └ Roman Catholicism | 64.60% |
| └ Protestantism | 22.20% |
| └ Other Christians | 1.98% |
| No Religion | 8.00% |
| Spiritism | 2.00% |
| Other Religions | 3.20% |
Source: IBGE, 2010 Census
📉 Religious Trend Note (2010 → 2023)
Since 2010, Brazil has experienced a notable decline in Catholic affiliation, continued expansion of Evangelical denominations, and a steady increase in the religiously unaffiliated population, reflecting broader social, generational, and cultural shifts.
Between 2010 and 2022, Brazil saw a decline in Catholic affiliation, continued growth of Protestant denominations, and a steady rise in the religiously unaffiliated population, reflecting broader social and cultural shifts.
👉 For more details, read: Religion in Brazil
Note: Census data reflects official national counts, while Latinobarómetro figures are survey-based estimates intended to illustrate recent trends rather than exact population totals.
Top Cities in Brazil by Population
| # | City | State | Pop. 2021 |
| 1 | São Paulo | São Paulo | 12,396,372 |
| 2 | Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro | 6,775,561 |
| 3 | Brasília | Distrito Federal | 3,094,325 |
| 4 | Salvador | Bahia | 2,900,319 |
| 5 | Fortaleza | Ceará | 2,703,391 |
| 6 | Belo Horizonte | Minas Gerais | 2,530,701 |
| 7 | Manaus | Amazonas | 2,255,903 |
| 8 | Curitiba | Paraná | 1,963,726 |
| 9 | Recife | Pernambuco | 1,661,017 |
| 10 | Goiânia | Goiás | 1,555,626 |
For Details read List of Top 100 Cities in Brazil
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