Did you know some countries have more cattle than humans? These nations, primarily located in South America and Oceania, are global leaders in livestock farming. Here are the top 4 countries where cows outnumber people!
Top 4 Countries Where Cattle Population
Exceeds Human Population
|
Rank |
Country |
Cattle
Population (2024) |
Human
Population (2024) |
Cow-to-Human
Ratio |
Key Industry |
|
1 |
Uruguay |
11,900,000 |
3,300,000 |
3.6:1 |
Livestock, Beef Exports |
|
2 |
New Zealand |
10,000,000 |
5,200,000 |
1.9:1 |
Dairy Farming, Agriculture |
|
3 |
Argentina |
53,800,000 |
45,500,000 |
1.2:1 |
Beef Production, Farming |
|
4 |
Brazil |
252,700,000 |
211,100,000 |
1.2:1 |
World's Largest Beef
Exporter |
Why Do These Countries Have More Cows Than
People?
1. Vast Grasslands
and Ranches
·
Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil have expansive pampas
grasslands, ideal for
large-scale cattle grazing.
·
New Zealand's pristine
environment supports
organic dairy farming.
2. Global Meat
Export Powerhouses
·
Brazil is the world's top beef
exporter (over 2
million tons annually).
·
Argentina is famous for its "asado"
(barbecue) culture and high-quality beef exports.
3. Low Population
Density
·
Uruguay has only 3.3 million
people but 11.9 million
cattle—that's 3.6 cows per
person!
Fun Facts
🐄 Uruguay dedicates 80% of its land to
ranching and produces some of the world's finest beef.
🥛 New Zealand has more sheep (26 million) than
people (5.2 million) but is renowned for dairy.
🌎 Brazil alone accounts for 10% of the
world's cattle (252 million cows)!
Environmental Impact
·
Methane Emissions: Cows produce
methane, contributing to climate change. New Zealand is working on carbon-neutral
farming.
·
Deforestation: In Brazil,
cattle ranching drives Amazon rainforest destruction.
Travel Recommendations
If you visit
these countries, don’t miss:
·
Argentinian asado
·
Uruguayan ranch experiences
·
New Zealand cheese tours
