Regional Overview of Latin American Cities

Key urban markets in Latin America are in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile

While at least 267 million people live in Latin American cities, only a handful ofLatin American countries have significant urban markets. Brazil is one of the mostaffluent countries, and home to at least 10 large metropolitan areas (with at leastthree million people by 2030). Argentina, Mexico and Chile are dominated bytheir capital cities, yet as these are relatively affluent cities they represent thethree other important urban markets in Latin America.

The density of mega-cities is growing rapidly

Large mega-cities in Latin America, such as Buenos Aires, Lima and Bogota, are experiencing rapid population growth and also rapid increases in population density. In contrast, while Brazilian cities are experiencing rapid growth, density is rarely an issue there.

Sub-national inequalities in income and expenditure patterns are least notable in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador

Even small increases in income can cause relatively significant changes inlifestyle and in spending on discretionary items. In fact, Bolivia and Argentina aretwo countries where small differences in income actually drives differences inspending patterns; sub-national inequalities are indeed notable in thesecountries. In contrast, they are least notable in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.

Ownership of durable goods suggests Guatemalan,Colombian and Ecuadorian cities are among the poorest in Latin America

Household possession of durable goods is one of the indicators that reveals lifestyledifferences between Latin American cities. Less than 20% of households own anair conditioner, tumble drier or dishwasher in Guatemala City, Colombian citiesand Ecuadorian cities, implying the least automated housework in these cities.Mexican cities seem to be more car-dependent than most others in LatinAmerica.