A look at racial groups in Brazil based on the 2022 Census (IBGE), with percentages and population numbers

Total population (2022): 203,080,756

1. Pardos (Mixed-race)
   • 45.34%
   • 92,083,286 people
2. Whites (Brancos)
   • 43.46%
   • 88,252,121 people
3. Blacks (Pretos / Afro-Brazilians)
   • 10.17%
   • 20,656,458 people
4. Indigenous (Indígenas)
   • 0.60%
   • 1,227,642 people
5. East Asians (Amarelos / Asian Brazilians)
   • 0.42%
   • 850,130 people

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IBGE Racial Classification Categories

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) uses self-identification and classifies race/color into five categories:

• Branco (White)
• Pardo (Mixed-race)
• Preto (Black)
• Amarelo (East Asian)
• Indígena (Indigenous)

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• Mixed-race Brazilians (Pardos) are now the largest racial group.
• White Brazilians remain a large plurality but are no longer the majority.
• Black Brazilians increased significantly compared to earlier censuses.
• Indigenous population reached its highest recorded share in Brazilian history.
• Asian Brazilians remain a small but stable minority.

Racial Groups in Brazil (2022 Census)

Brazil’s population is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse in the world, shaped by Indigenous origins, European colonization, African slavery, and later immigration from multiple regions. According to the 2022 Brazilian Census (IBGE), racial identity is based on self-identification and classified into five official categories.

As of 2022, Brazil had a population of 203.1 million people. The largest racial group is Pardos (mixed-race), followed closely by Whites, with Blacks forming a significant minority. Indigenous and East Asian populations remain comparatively small but culturally important.

Key Patterns

• Mixed-race Brazilians (Pardos) now represent the largest share of the population, reflecting centuries of racial mixing.
• White Brazilians are no longer an absolute majority, continuing a long-term demographic shift.
• Black Brazilians have increased notably in proportion since 2010, partly due to changing self-identification.
• Indigenous peoples reached their highest recorded population share, reflecting improved census inclusion and ethnic recognition.
• Asian Brazilians, while a small percentage, are historically significant, especially in urban centers.

Racial Composition (2022)

• Pardos (Mixed-race): 45.3%
• Whites: 43.5%
• Blacks: 10.2%
• Indigenous: 0.6%
• East Asians: 0.4%

Long-Term Trend

Historically, Brazil shifted from a White-majority population in the mid-20th century to a plurality mixed-race population today. This change reflects social dynamics, migration patterns, and evolving perceptions of racial identity rather than sudden demographic movement.