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Chile Population (2026 Overview)
Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in western South America. It occupies a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Chile is the southernmost country in the world, the closest to Antarctica.
Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country located in western South America, stretching along a long and narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Chile is the southernmost country in the world and one of the nations closest to Antarctica, giving it a unique geographic position.
According to the United Nations World Population Prospects, Chile’s population is estimated at 19,726,828 (approximately 20 million) in 2026, reflecting moderate population growth alongside high urbanization and improving life expectancy.
Future Population Projection
Chile’s population growth is expected to slow gradually over the 21st century due to declining fertility rates and aging demographics. The population is projected to peak mid-century and then stabilize or slightly decline toward the end of the century.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2030 | 20,610,000 |
| 2040 | 21,220,000 |
| 2050 | 21,540,000 |
| 2100 | 20,800,000 |
Trend Note (2024 → 2100): Chile’s population will grow moderately until 2050, then slowly decline toward 2100 due to demographic transition.
Chile Demographics – Quick Facts
Official Name: Republic of Chile
Continent: South America
Capital City: Santiago
Total Population (2026 est.): 19,726,828 (~20 million)
Land Area: 743,812 sq. km (287,187 sq. mi)
Population Density: ~26 people per sq. km
Urban Population: ~87%
Major Ethnic Groups: White 52.7%, Mestizo 39.3%, Indigenous 8%, East Asians <1%
Major Religion: Christianity (~60% of population)
Administrative Divisions: 16 regions
Historical Population of Chile
Chile’s population has grown steadily since the 19th century, with periods of accelerated growth in the mid-20th century due to improvements in health, infrastructure, and urbanization. Growth slowed in recent decades as fertility rates declined.
Census Population of Chile
| Year | Population | ± % p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1835 | 1,103,036 | — |
| 1843 | 1,083,701 | −0.22% |
| 1854 | 1,446,031 | +2.66% |
| 1865 | 1,819,223 | +2.11% |
| 1875 | 2,075,971 | +1.33% |
| 1885 | 2,527,320 | +1.99% |
| 1895 | 2,687,985 | +0.62% |
| 1907 | 3,249,279 | +1.59% |
| 1920 | 3,753,799 | +1.12% |
| 1930 | 4,287,445 | +1.34% |
| 1940 | 5,023,539 | +1.60% |
| 1952 | 5,932,995 | +1.40% |
| 1960 | 7,374,115 | +2.76% |
| 1970 | 8,884,768 | +1.88% |
| 1982 | 11,329,736 | +2.05% |
| 1992 | 13,348,401 | +1.65% |
| 2002 | 15,116,435 | +1.25% |
| 2012 | 16,634,603 | +0.96% |
| 2017 | 17,574,003 | +1.10% |
| 2024 | 18,480,432 | +0.72% |
Source: Chilean National Statistics Institute & UN World Population Prospects
Religion in Chile
Religion in Chile
Christianity is the dominant religion in Chile, with the majority of the population identifying as Catholic. According to the 2020 Latino Barómetro report, about 50.6% of Chileans follow Roman Catholicism, while 8.4% identify as Evangelical Protestants. Smaller Christian groups include Mormons, Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other Protestant denominations.
A growing share of Chileans, approximately 35.1%, report having no religion, reflecting increasing secularization. An additional 1.2% identify as Agnostic or Atheist, and about 3.8% are unsure or did not respond.
Minor religions, including Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, exist primarily due to historical and recent immigration.
Religious Composition of Chile
| Religion / Affiliation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Christians (Total) | 60.1% |
| └ Catholic | 50.6% |
| └ Evangelical (no specific) | 8.4% |
| └ Evangelical Baptism | 0.1% |
| └ Adventist | 0.2% |
| └ Jehovah’s Witnesses | 0.1% |
| └ Mormon | 0.7% |
| └ Other Protestant | 0.1% |
| No Religious Affiliation | 35.1% |
| └ Believer, not in church | 0.1% |
| └ Agnostic | 0.4% |
| └ Atheist | 0.5% |
| └ Don’t know | 2.3% |
| └ No answer | 1.5% |
Trend note (2010 → 2020): Catholic affiliation is declining, while the unaffiliated population is growing steadily.
Source: Latino Barómetro (2020)
Race and Ethnicity in Chile
Chile’s population is multi‑ethnic, shaped by centuries of mixing between Indigenous peoples and European settlers, with smaller contributions from African, Asian, and other ancestries. Most Chileans identify as Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European) or White, while Indigenous communities, particularly the Mapuche and Aymara, remain the largest distinct ethnic groups based on self-identification.
Genetic studies show that most Chileans carry a mix of European and Indigenous ancestry, with proportions varying by region and family history. Historical intermarriage and migration patterns have created a complex mosaic of ethnic identities across the country.
According to Latinobarómetro 2024, self-identified ethnic composition shows that 42.2% of Chileans identify as Mestizo, 23.3% as White, and 10.5% as Indigenous. Smaller proportions identify as Black (6.8%), Mulatto (4.5%), or Asian (0.4%), while other races, non-answers, and unsure responses account for the remainder.
Racial / Ethnic Composition of Chile
| Race / Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Mestizo (mixed Indigenous & European) | 42.2% |
| White / European-identified | 23.3% |
| Indigenous | 10.5% |
| Black | 6.8% |
| Mulatto | 4.5% |
| Asian | 0.4% |
| Other race | 2.4% |
| Don’t know | 8.5% |
| Does not answer | 1.2% |
Source: Latinobarómetro 2024
Summary
Mestizo and White identities together represent the majority of Chile’s population, reflecting centuries of intermarriage between European settlers and Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous communities such as the Mapuche and Aymara are the largest distinct Indigenous groups.
Genetic research and self-identification data show widespread European-Indigenous ancestry, with varying proportions across regions and generations.
Smaller populations of Black, Mulatto, Asian, and other ancestries add to Chile’s multi-ethnic composition.
Top Cities in Chile by Population
Chile’s population is highly urbanized, with the majority concentrated in the Santiago metropolitan area, the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub. Other major urban centers such as Valparaíso, Concepción, and La Serena play key roles in industry, trade, and regional administration.
Largest Cities in Chile
| # | City / Metro Area | Region / Province | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santiago Metropolis | Santiago Metropolitan Region | 5,428,590 |
| 2 | Greater Valparaíso | Valparaíso Region | 803,683 |
| 3 | Greater Concepción | Biobío Region | 666,381 |
| 4 | Greater La Serena | Coquimbo Region | 296,253 |
| 5 | Antofagasta | Antofagasta Region | 285,255 |
| 6 | Greater Temuco | Araucanía Region | 260,878 |
| 7 | Rancagua conurbation | O’Higgins Region | 236,363 |
| 8 | Talca | Maule Region | 191,154 |
| 9 | Arica | Arica and Parinacota Region | 175,441 |
| 10 | Chillán conurbation | Ñuble Region | 165,528 |
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