Uruguay has experienced relatively slow and steady population growth over the past several decades. As of 2023, the country’s population is estimated to be around 3.5 million people. Unlike many other South American nations, Uruguay’s birth rate is low and its population growth rate hovers near zero, largely due to low fertility rates and a significant proportion of the population being elderly. Additionally, Uruguay has historically seen periods of emigration, with many citizens moving abroad in search of better economic opportunities. This combination of low birth rates, an aging population, and emigration has resulted in modest population growth, making Uruguay one of the least densely populated countries in the region.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,194,275 | 12.5 |
| 1955 | 2,353,136 | 13.4 |
| 1960 | 2,530,969 | 14.5 |
| 1965 | 2,693,133 | 15.4 |
| 1970 | 2,823,659 | 16.1 |
| 1975 | 2,843,540 | 16.2 |
| 1980 | 2,930,486 | 16.7 |
| 1985 | 3,018,871 | 17.2 |
| 1990 | 3,085,115 | 17.6 |
| 1995 | 3,150,039 | 18 |
| 2000 | 3,219,796 | 18.4 |
| 2005 | 3,264,914 | 18.7 |
| 2010 | 3,302,078 | 18.9 |
| 2015 | 3,344,293 | 19.1 |
| 2020 | 3,389,361 | 19.4 |
| 2022 | 3,407,213 | 19.5 |
| 2023 | 3,416,264 | 19.5 |
| 2024 | 3,425,330 | 19.6 |
| 2025 | 3,434,298 | 19.6 |
| 2030 | 3,475,266 | 19.9 |
| 2035 | 3,504,442 | 20 |
| 2040 | 3,533,156 | 20.2 |
| 2045 | 3,551,551 | 20.3 |
| 2050 | 3,560,420 | 20.3 |
| 2055 | 3,560,882 | 20.3 |
| 2060 | 3,551,551 | 20.3 |
| 2065 | 3,530,663 | 20.2 |
| 2070 | 3,497,619 | 20 |
| 2075 | 3,453,245 | 19.7 |
| 2080 | 3,399,378 | 19.4 |
| 2085 | 3,337,751 | 19.1 |
| 2090 | 3,269,875 | 18.7 |
| 2095 | 3,198,383 | 18.3 |
| 2100 | 3,126,318 | 17.9 |
Data from US Census International Database