Brazil’s population reaches 203 million and grows significantly slower

According to the Demographic Census 2022 released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Brazil’s population is projected to reach 203,062,512 inhabitants in 2022.

This marks a significant deceleration in population growth, suggesting that the country’s population may cease to grow in the near future.

Between 2010 and 2022, Brazil experienced an annual population increase of 0.52%, the lowest rate since the country’s first census in 1872.

In the previous survey conducted from 2000 to 2010, Brazil’s population grew at an annual rate of 1.17%, with a total of 190,755,799 Brazilians.

As a result, Brazil now becomes the 7th most populous country globally, trailing behind Nigeria with a population of 213 million.

The reported figure of 203 million is unexpectedly lower than previous estimates by IBGE in August 2021, which projected a population of 213 million.

However, uncertainties surrounding population estimates are common, and further studies are needed to determine the accurate size of the population.

The data released by IBGE indicates that the population figure is definitive, with imputed data used for households with no response.

Approximately 4.23% of census homes did not provide a response.

Even if the population were 213 million, Brazil would still show a decline in its growth rate, leading to an aging population.

The shift towards an older population has implications for Brazil’s economy and social security.

The country’s “demographic bonus,” characterized by a larger proportion of working-age population supporting dependents, including the elderly and children, is coming to an end.

This trend may necessitate the implementation of a new Social Security reform in the future.