The 10 emptiest cities in Brazil: there are cities that have just 0,78 inhabitants per km²

Find out why some of Brazil's biggest cities are practically empty and what makes people avoid these areas.

Brazil is known for its great metropolises such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, which are true centers of population concentration. However, there is a much less talked about side: the emptiest cities in Brazil. That's right, there are huge cities that, despite their large territorial extension, have an incredibly low population density.

Emptiest cities in Brazil

When we talk about emptiest cities in Brazil, the first thing that comes to mind is the idea that they are inhospitable or economically unviable places. While these issues may be part of the problem, the reality is much more complex. Let's analyze some of the cities that top this list and understand the reasons behind their emptiness.

Uberlandia

Em Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, for example, even with its 720 thousand inhabitants, the city is largely recognized as one of the most spacious in the country. This is due to its vast territorial area, resulting in a population density of just 175 people per km². The irony? Despite being a rich city full of agribusiness opportunities, many people prefer to avoid the place due to the feeling of isolation that the vast territory causes.

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Campo Grande

In Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande suffers from a similar problem. Although it is the state capital and has a strong agricultural economy, the city has only 111 inhabitants per km². The dispersion of the population in rural areas, focused on agriculture, makes the city seem emptier than it really is. The lack of adequate infrastructure in some regions contributes to the feeling of remoteness that makes many people think twice before moving there.

Petroline

Another interesting example is Petroline, in Pernambuco. Known for being the largest grape producer in Brazil, the city has a population density of just 82 inhabitants per km². Although it is growing due to its successful agriculture, there is still a long way to go before the number of residents matches the size of the municipality. Rapid population growth, driven by new jobs in the agricultural sector, shows that the city may be on the way to changing this reality, but for now, it still ranks among the emptiest cities in Brazil.

Boa Vista

Now, let's go to the North of Brazil, where we find Boa Vista, capital of Roraima, with a density of just 73 inhabitants per km². Even though it is an important center in the region, even attracting immigrants from other countries, such as Venezuela, the city still struggles to overcome the stigma of isolation. The lack of modern infrastructure and the large distances between urban and rural areas are factors that hinder population growth.

Macapa

Macapa, in Amapá, is also on this list. As the only Brazilian capital without road connections with other states, the city faces unique challenges. With only 69 inhabitants per km², its isolated location and economy based on indigenous culture limit population growth. The city is more attractive to tourists than to new residents, a situation that keeps it among the emptiest cities in Brazil.

Rio Branco

And when we talk about Rio Branco, in Acre, the dense vegetation of the Amazon Rainforest around the city also impedes urban development, resulting in a density of just 43 inhabitants per km². Although the city has a significant presence in the tourism sector, a lack of urban expansion and employment opportunities means it remains empty.

Altamira

Finally, we reach the extreme with Altamira, in Pará, which, despite being the largest municipality in territorial extension in Brazil, with 5.533 km², has only 0,78 inhabitants per km². The vast Amazon rainforest that covers most of its territory, along with the lack of basic infrastructure, such as roads, means that few venture to live in this city. Logistical difficulties and the scarcity of jobs only reinforce Altamira's status as the emptiest city in Brazil.

Reality of the emptiest cities in Brazil

The reality of emptiest cities in Brazil It is complex and goes beyond the simple absence of people. It involves economic challenges, insufficient infrastructure and the territorial vastness that is often intimidating. These factors mean that, even in cities with great potential, people hesitate to settle.

However, in many of these places, there are already signs of change, with development projects underway that promise to attract new residents. Time will tell whether these cities will be able to reverse this trend and become more inhabited. For now, most of them remain empty, waiting for a different future.

The 10 emptiest cities in Brazil: there are cities that have just 0,78 inhabitants per km²