About Fortaleza
Fortaleza is a large city located in Brazil, in the Ceará region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Fortaleza is approximately 2,578,483 residents, making it the #6 most populous city in Brazil.
Globally, Fortaleza ranks #585 among the world's most populated cities. With over 1 million residents, Fortaleza plays an important role as an economic and cultural center in Brazil.
It is Brazil's 4th largest city—Fortaleza surpassed Salvador in 2024 census with a population of slightly over 2.5 million. Currently, it is the eleventh richest city in the country by gross domestic product and the richest in the Northeast, with a GDP of about 73 billion reais. It forms the core of the Fortaleza metropolitan area, which is home to almost 4 million people.
Fortaleza City Statistics
| City | Fortaleza |
| Country |  Brazil |
| Population | 2,578,483 |
| Global Rank | #585 |
| Rank in Brazil | #6 of 389 cities |
| City Category | large city |
| Region | Ceará |
| Latitude | -3.7275 |
| Longitude | -38.5275 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Fortaleza Overview
Fortaleza is a large city in Brazil, situated in the Ceará area. With a population of 2,578,483 people, it represents approximately 11.1% of the total urban population in Brazil.
Fortaleza serves as an important economic and cultural center in Brazil. The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, modern infrastructure, and diverse neighborhoods that attract both residents and visitors.
Population Comparison
To put Fortaleza's population of 2,578,483 into perspective:
- Fortaleza has approximately 2.6 million residents.
- This makes it comparable in size to cities like Paris or Rome.
Where is Fortaleza Located?
Fortaleza is located in Brazil, in the Ceará region, at coordinates -3.7275° latitude and -38.5275° longitude. Fortaleza is located in the southern subtropics.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in Brazil
Largest Cities in Brazil
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Salvador | 2,564,204 |
| 3 | Belo Horizonte | 2,415,872 |
| 4 | Manaus | 2,303,732 |
| 6 | Curitiba | 1,830,795 |
| 7 | Goiânia | 1,503,256 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fortaleza?
The population of Fortaleza is approximately 2,578,483 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Fortaleza located?
Fortaleza is located in Brazil at approximately -3.7275° latitude and -38.5275° longitude.
Is Fortaleza one of the largest cities in Brazil?
With a population of 2,578,483, Fortaleza is one of the major urban areas in Brazil. It ranks #6 out of 389 cities in the country.
