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Chile Population and religion percentage
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. As per the UN World Population Prospects report, the estimated population of Chile in 2024 is 19,658,840 (20 millions)
Chile map – Img courtesy Britannica
Religion in Chile
In Chile, the predominant religion is Christianity, with a significant majority of the population identifying as Christians. Among them, Catholics make up the largest religious group and makeup 45% of the population. Protestants are the second largest religious group and it is followed by 15% of the population.
Interestingly, around 36% of the Chilean population has declared themselves to be religiously unaffiliated or not adhering to any specific faith, highlighting the diverse religious landscape in the country. This cultural and religious diversity is an integral part of Chile’s societal fabric. Other smaller faiths and religions make up 4% of the Chile population.
Religion percentage in Chile
- Roman Catholic – 45%
- Protestant – 15%
- None – 36%
- Others – 4%
Chile Ethnic composition
Chile is a diverse society with varied ethnic backgrounds. Approximately 50-60% of the Chilean populace can be traced back to European roots, highlighting the significant influence of European settlers on the nation’s demographic landscape.
In addition to the European heritage, a substantial portion of the Chilean population, accounting for 30-40%, identifies as Mestizo. Mestizo people are of mixed European and indigenous ancestry, representing a harmonious blending of cultures that is emblematic of many Latin American nations.
Furthermore, Chile is home to a diverse Indigenous population, constituting approximately 8-10% of the total inhabitants. These Indigenous communities, each with their distinct languages, traditions, and belief systems, add depth and richness to Chile’s cultural heritage. They have preserved their unique customs over generations, enriching the country’s cultural fabric and reminding the nation of its indigenous roots.
Ethnic Composition
- White – 50-60%
- Mestizo – 30-40%
- Mapuche – 9.1%
- Aymara – 0.7%
- Other groups – 1.3%
Source: various estimates
Top Cities in Chile by Population
# | City | 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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