Brazil population reaches 214.2 million in 2026 estimates

According to new estimates released by the IBGE, the population of Brazil reached approximately 214.2 million people as of July 1, 2026. This represents a growth rate of 0.37%, though this indicates a slowdown compared to the 2024–2025 period.

Demographically, the Southeast region holds 41.6% of the population, followed by the Northeast at 26.8%, the South at 14.7%, the North at 8.8%, and the Center-West at 8.1%. The five most populous municipalities are São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Fortaleza, and Salvador, which together account for 12.5% of the national total.

In the state of Maranhão, the population has surpassed 7 million people, specifically estimated at 7,024,557. The capital, São Luís, remains the most populous city in the state with 1.09 million residents. The data serves as a key parameter for the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) in calculating state and municipal participation funds.