Chile
Republic of Chile
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.57%
Chile is a South America country of around 20.2 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 756,102 km², translating to a density of 27 people per km². Its capital is Santiago, and Spanish is the official language, while the Chilean peso serves as the national currency.
Population
20,206,953
Area
756,102 km²
Density
27/km²
World Rank
#64
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (9 per thousand) and death rate (6.5 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 17% of residents under 15 and 14.1% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Santiago
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- South America
- Continent
- South America
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currencies
- Chilean peso ($)
- Calling Code
- +56
- Top-Level Domain
- .cl
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-06:00, UTC-04:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 20,206,953
- Land Area
- 756,102 km²
- Population Density
- 27 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.57%
- Annual Growth
- +115,180 people
- Daily Growth
- +316 people
- World Population Share
- 0.25%
- Coordinates
- -30.00°, -71.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $16.7k, Chile sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 9%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 43.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
81.2 years
GDP per Capita
$16,710
Birth Rate
9.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
89.0%
Fertility Rate
1.17 births/woman
Infant Mortality
6.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
9.0%
Literacy Rate
96.4%
Internet Users
94.5%
Under 15
17.0%
Over 65
14.1%
Health Spending
10.5% GDP
Gini Index
43.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
3.4M
15-64 years
13.9M
65+ years
2.9M
Urbanization
Chile is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 89% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Santiago, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 51712.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
18.0M
89.0%
2.2M
11.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 81.2 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality stands at 6.2 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 96.4% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Chile
Chile has 38 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Chile is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.2 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Chile participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 20,206,953 |
| 2030 | 20,685,392 |
| 2035 | 21,328,271 |
| 2040 | 22,019,861 |
| 2045 | 22,759,374 |
| 2050 | 23,546,372 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Chile.
Largest Cities in Chile
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Chile by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chile?
The population of Chile is approximately 20.2 million as of 2026, making it #64 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Chile?
The capital of Chile is Santiago.
What languages are spoken in Chile?
The main languages spoken in Chile are Spanish.
How big is Chile?
Chile covers an area of 756,102 km² with a population density of 27 people per km².
Is Chile growing or shrinking?
Chile is growing at a rate of 0.57% per year, adding approximately 115,180 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Chile?
The average life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Chile?
The GDP per capita of Chile is $16,710.