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With Only 833 Inhabitants, the Mining Municipality of Serra da Saudade Has a History Linked to an Old Railroad and Today Stands Out for Its Tranquility and the Challenges of a Future with Declining Population.
The title of city with the fewest inhabitants in Brazil belongs to a small and quiet municipality in the interior of Minas Gerais. According to the most recent data from the 2022 Demographic Census, conducted by IBGE, Serra da Saudade has a population of just 833 people. It is a place where community life is strong and the total population is smaller than that of many condominiums or schools in large metropolises.
The city, which used to be a point of passage for an important railway, now lives a reality of peace and security that is rare in the country. However, it faces significant structural challenges to ensure its survival and the permanence of its residents in the future.
The Confirmation of the 2022 Census, the Numbers of the Smallest City in the Country
The 2022 Census officially confirmed Serra da Saudade’s status as the city with the fewest inhabitants in Brazil, with 833 residents. The number represents very little growth compared to the 2010 Census, when the city had 815 inhabitants. In 12 years, the population increased by only 18 people.
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More recent data from the Civil Registry, from May 2024, already indicates a slight decline, with the population estimated at 831 residents. The reduction is explained by a negative natural growth: between February and May of that year, three deaths were recorded and only one birth. In the national ranking, the municipalities that come closest to Serra da Saudade are Borá (SP), with 907 inhabitants, and Anhanguera (GO), with 924.
The History That Explains the Size
The origin of Serra da Saudade is directly linked to the construction of the Paracatu Railway. The village began to form on July 22, 1925, with the inauguration of the Melo Viana Station, which became the economic center of the region, shipping coffee, cattle, and timber.
Fueled by the railway, the district emancipated from Dores do Indaiá on December 30, 1962, being formally installed as a municipality on March 1, 1963. The turning point in the city’s history occurred in 1969, when the railway tracks were definitively removed. Without its main economic driver, Serra da Saudade was unable to find a new vocation, leading to population stagnation and a strong dependence on public administration.
Everyday Life in Serra da Saudade, Without a Hospital, Bank, or Pharmacy
Daily life in the city with the fewest inhabitants in Brazil is marked by the absence of various private services. The municipality does not have a hospital, bank branch, gas station, or commercial pharmacy. The city also does not have any bus lines.
This lack is compensated by the direct action of the city hall. The local health clinic, for example, distributes necessary medications to the population for free. The absence of a gas station forces residents to plan to refuel in the neighboring city, Estrela do Indaiá, 15 km away. The trade is limited to two markets, a bakery, and a clothing store.
The City That Has Not Reported a Homicide Since 1967
The most notable characteristic of Serra da Saudade is its safety. The last homicide recorded in the city occurred in 1967, over 56 years ago. Crime is virtually nonexistent: throughout 2022, only two thefts were reported.
This tranquility results from a community policing model, where the small military police detachment knows all the residents and cordially approaches any visitor to inquire about the reason for their visit. The community itself acts as a surveillance network, reporting any suspicious activity.
Youth Exodus and the Search for Sustainability
Despite the peace, the future of Serra da Saudade is uncertain. The main challenge is the exodus of youth, who leave the city in search of study and work opportunities in larger centers, which causes an aging population. The local economy, heavily dependent on transfers from the Municipal Participation Fund (FPM), is fragile.
To try to reverse this scenario, local administration is betting on rural and heritage tourism, seeking to value the history of the old railway. Furthermore, it invests in technology, with the offering of free Wi-Fi in public squares and Distance Education (EAD) courses, in a effort to create new opportunities and ensure the survival of the city with the fewest inhabitants in Brazil.
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