The global population has now exceeded 8 billion, with China and India accounting for a significant share of the world’s total population. By 2050, it is expected to reach nearly 10 billion. However, due to varying population growth rates, many countries will experience a decline, while others will see their populations rise.
Currently, India, China, United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan are the five most populous countries, with a total population of nearly 3.78 billion in 2025. By 2050, their combined population is projected to reach 4.31 billion, which accounts for a much larger share of the total global population. Additionally, it represents an overall increase of 14.02% from 2025 to 2050. India is projected to remain the most populous country by 2050.
Projected Population Growth of Top 5 Most Populous Countries
The table below presents the projected population growth of the five most populous countries—India, China, the United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan—by 2050.
| Year | 🇮🇳 India’s Population (in Millions) | 🇨🇳 China’s Population (in Millions) | 🇺🇸 United States’ Population (in Millions) | 🇮🇩 Indonesia’s Population (in Millions) | 🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Population (in Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1468.21 | 1419.32 | 348.12 | 286.5 | 255.92 |
| 2026 | 1483.87 | 1418.24 | 350.44 | 289.19 | 260.48 |
| 2027 | 1499.32 | 1417.06 | 352.7 | 291.81 | 265.17 |
| 2028 | 1514.51 | 1415.55 | 354.94 | 294.37 | 270.03 |
| 2029 | 1530.31 | 1414.28 | 357.32 | 297.01 | 275.15 |
| 2030 | 1546.71 | 1413.32 | 359.83 | 299.76 | 280.52 |
| 2031 | 1562.8 | 1412.04 | 362.31 | 302.46 | 286.01 |
| 2032 | 1578.54 | 1410.47 | 364.77 | 305.1 | 291.59 |
| 2033 | 1593.94 | 1408.61 | 367.22 | 307.7 | 297.24 |
| 2034 | 1609.55 | 1406.89 | 369.76 | 310.36 | 303.07 |
| 2035 | 1625.37 | 1405.33 | 372.4 | 313.08 | 309.05 |
| 2036 | 1640.8 | 1403.55 | 375.01 | 315.73 | 315.07 |
| 2037 | 1655.78 | 1401.55 | 377.6 | 318.34 | 321.13 |
| 2038 | 1670.28 | 1399.35 | 380.17 | 320.88 | 327.22 |
| 2039 | 1684.32 | 1396.92 | 382.7 | 323.37 | 333.34 |
| 2040 | 1697.93 | 1394.21 | 385.18 | 325.78 | 339.43 |
| 2041 | 1711.1 | 1391.2 | 387.62 | 328.12 | 345.51 |
| 2042 | 1723.81 | 1387.89 | 390.04 | 330.39 | 351.61 |
| 2043 | 1736.06 | 1384.28 | 392.42 | 332.59 | 357.72 |
| 2044 | 1747.88 | 1380.36 | 394.74 | 334.71 | 363.83 |
| 2045 | 1759.34 | 1376.07 | 397.02 | 336.75 | 369.97 |
| 2046 | 1770.46 | 1371.34 | 399.26 | 338.72 | 376.12 |
| 2047 | 1781.27 | 1366.18 | 401.46 | 340.63 | 382.27 |
| 2048 | 1791.83 | 1360.58 | 403.64 | 342.48 | 388.41 |
| 2049 | 1802.19 | 1354.49 | 405.79 | 344.29 | 394.58 |
| 2050 | 1812.43 | 1347.93 | 407.94 | 346.06 | 400.79 |
The data is sourced from OurWorldinData.
India
In 2025, India’s population stands at approximately 1.47 billion, which accounts for about 18% of the global population. The country’s population is growing at 0.9% annually and is projected to expand steadily in the coming years. By 2050, India’s population is expected to reach approximately 1.81 billion, which will likely make it the largest population globally. The country’s relatively young demographic profile and improvements in healthcare and life expectancy contribute to its population boom.
India’s population growth has been characterized by relatively slow initial growth but significant increases in the post-independence era. In 1950, India’s population stood at around 360 million, and by the 1980s, it had surpassed 700 million. The country’s population crossed the 1 billion mark in 2000. Moreover, it surpassed China as the most populous country in the world in 2023.
China
China has the 2nd largest population of approximately 1.42 billion people after India. It accounts for about 17% of the world’s population. The country remained the world’s most populous nation for decades until India surpassed it in 2023. China is going through a big demographic change, with its population declining because of a negative growth rate of -0.1% in 2025. By 2050, it’s population is expected to drop to around 1.35 billion. This decline is happening because of two main reasons: an aging population and a very low birth rate. The low birth rate is partly due to the one-child policy, which was enforced from 1979 to 2015.
Over the last century, China’s population has changed dramatically. In 1900, it was around 400 million, and by 1950, it grew to about 500 million. After economic reforms in the late 20th century, China saw rapid industrialization and a population boom, crossing 1 billion people in 1982. However, due to the one-child policy and an aging population, China’s population growth is slowing down. By 2050, China is expected to remain the world’s second-most populous country, with India taking the top spot.
Global Population Change by Generation in 2035
The United States
The United States has the third largest population globally with 348 million people. Its population accounts for approximately 4.3% of the world’s total population. With a growth rate of 0.5%, the U.S. population is expected to keep growing and reach over 407 million by 2050. Although this growth rate is slower than compared to othercountries like India or Pakistan, the U.S. maintains a steady population due to a stable birth rate and immigration.
Over the years, the US population has grown consistently. In 1800, the US had only about 5 million people, but by 1900, that number jumped to 76 million. Additionally, the 20th century saw a much faster growth in US population due to both the high birth rate and immigration, reaching 150 million by 1950. By 2025, the US population is expected to reach 348 million.
Indonesia
Indonesia has the fourth largest population after India, China, and the United States. In 2025, the country’s population stands at approximately 286.5 million, which accounts for 3.54% of the global population. Indonesia’s population is experiencing a steady growth rate of 0.8%, and by 2050, its population is expected to reach 346 million. Indonesia’s young population is a key advantage for future economic growth, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Over the past century, Indonesia’s population has grown dramatically. In 1900, it was under 40 million, but by the mid-20th century, it exceeded 100 million.
Pakistan
Pakistan, with a population of 255.9 million people, accounts for 3.14% of the global population. The country is experiencing one of the highest population growth rates of 1.5% among the top five most populous countries globally. By 2050, Pakistan’s population is projected to reach 400.8 million, positioning it among the fastest-growing countries worldwide. The country is projected to surpass Indonesia by 2037 to become the fourth most poplous country globally. However, the rapid increase in Pakistan’s population brings considerable challenges related to resources, infrastructure, and job creation.
In conclusion, India is set to remains the world’s most populous country by 2050. This rapid population growth brings multiple challenges, such as the need to provide sufficient infrastructure, healthcare, and job opportunities for its growing population. On the other hand, China will face economic challenges due to its aging population and a declining workforce, which could affect its long-term growth trajectory. Additionally, the United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan will see steady population growth by 2050.
Add Comment