While the Amish are more commonly associated with North America, particularly the United States and Canada, they have also established communities in South America, specifically in Argentina and Bolivia.
Argentina and Bolivia: Key Destinations
The Amish community in Argentina is smaller. They’re located about 75 miles southwest of Santa Cruz.
They maintain a lifestyle similar to their North American counterparts, focusing on agriculture and keeping a distance from modern technology.
Bolivia has seen a more significant Amish presence. They live east of Catamarca, in the rural northwest, engaging primarily in farming.
Here is a table showing the evolution of the Amish population in South America from 2017 to 2023:
| Country | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 0 |
| Bolivia | 35 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 175 | 90 |
Argentina’s Amish Population
From 2017 to 2019, the number of Amish people in Argentina stayed at 50. In 2021, it increased slightly to 60. This suggests some growth but not a lot.
There’s no information for 2023. This could mean various things, like the community becoming smaller or just a lack of data collection.
Bolivia’s Amish Population
In 2017, there were only 35 Amish people in Bolivia. By 2018 and 2019, this number jumped to 150, showing a significant increase. In 2022, it grew to 175.
But in 2023, it dropped to 90.
Why the Amish Didn’t Thrive in South America
The Amish didn’t do as well in South America as they did in the United States. There are a few reasons for this.
South America has a tropical climate, which is very different from the Amish’s preferred farming conditions. It made it harder for them to grow crops.
The Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch and English, and in South America, people speak Spanish or Portuguese. This language difference made it tough for them to communicate and fit in.
In the United States, the Amish originally came to escape religious persecution, and they found a place where they could practice their beliefs freely.
In the US, there are special rules that protect people’s religious beliefs and ways of life, which has helped the Amish community to do well while keeping their unique lifestyle.
In South America, there are no special laws to accommodate the Amish, making it less welcoming for them.
Also, in South America, there are fewer Amish communities, so they might feel more alone. It’s tougher for them to stick together and preserve their traditions and way of life because there are not as many Amish people around.
For more information, see the Amish population statistics of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College.