Indigenous peoples of South America facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| approx. 18 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Peru |
5.9 million (2017) |
 Bolivia |
4.1 million (2012) |
 Chile |
2.4 million (2017) |
 Brazil |
1.7 million (2022) |
 Colombia |
1.9 million (2018) |
 Argentina |
1.3 million (2022) |
 Ecuador |
1.3 million (2023) |
 Venezuela |
724,592 (2011) |
 Uruguay |
223,964 (2023) |
 Paraguay |
117,150 (2012) |
 Guyana |
78,492 (2012) |
 Suriname |
20,344 (2012) |
 French Guiana |
approx. 19,000 |
| Languages | |
| Indigenous languages of the Americas, including Quechua, Aymara, Guarani, Mapuche | |
| Religion | |
|
|
Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of South America. They are also known as native peoples. These communities lived on the continent long before Europeans arrived. Today, their descendants continue to live across South America.
In Spanish, they are often called pueblos indígenas or pueblos nativos. In Argentina, the term aborigen is sometimes used. In countries like Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, people might use the word Amerindian.
Many people in South America have mixed heritage. Those with both European and Indigenous ancestors are often called mestizos. People with both African and Indigenous ancestors are sometimes called zambos. These terms help describe the rich mix of cultures in the region.
Contents
Who Are the Indigenous Peoples of South America?
Indigenous peoples are the first groups of people who lived in South America. They have a long and rich history. Their cultures, languages, and traditions are very important to the continent's heritage. These groups are different from people who arrived later from Europe or Africa.
Where Did They Come From?
Scientists believe the first people arrived in South America a very long time ago. One idea is that they traveled from Asia into North America. They might have crossed a land bridge that once connected Asia and North America. From there, they slowly moved south into South America.
Another idea suggests some people might have sailed from Polynesia. They could have crossed the Pacific Ocean to reach the continent. The oldest proof of humans in South America is about 14,000 years old. This evidence was found at a place called Monte Verde in southern Chile. These early settlers became the ancestors of today's Indigenous peoples.
Life Before European Arrival
Before Europeans arrived, Indigenous peoples lived in many different ways. Many groups were hunter-gatherers. This means they hunted animals and gathered plants for food. Some still live this way today, especially in the vast Amazon rainforest.
Other groups, particularly in the Andes Mountains, were skilled farmers. They developed advanced ways to grow crops. They used clever irrigation systems to water their fields. They also raised animals like llamas and alpacas. These animals provided wool, meat, and helped with transport.
Indigenous Communities Today
Indigenous peoples live in every country in South America. They make up a large part of the population in many places. For example, Bolivia is a country where most people identify as Indigenous. About 62% of Bolivians are part of an Indigenous group.
You can find Indigenous communities in:
- Indigenous peoples in Argentina
- Indigenous peoples in Bolivia
- Indigenous peoples in Brazil
- Indigenous peoples in Chile
- Indigenous peoples in Colombia
- Indigenous peoples in Ecuador
- French Guiana
- Indigenous peoples in Guyana
- Indigenous peoples in Paraguay
- Indigenous peoples in Peru
- Indigenous peoples in Suriname
- Indigenous peoples in Uruguay
- Indigenous peoples in Venezuela
See also
In Spanish: Pueblos indígenas de Sudamérica para niños
- Indigenous peoples of the Americas
- Wars involving indigenous peoples of South America
- List of indigenous peoples
- Ceramics of indigenous peoples of the Americas
