The world’s 10 most populated countries together have a total population of about 4.64 billion people. These countries account for over 60% of the global population, which is about 8.1 billion people. Six of these ten countries, including India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Russia, are located in Asia. In 2023, India surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country, driven by a higher population growth rate. In contrast, China’s population has begun to decline due to factors such as an aging demographic and lower birth rates. Nigeria, the only African country in the top 10, has a fast-growing population, which is expected to rise even further in the coming decades.
Rapid urbanization and economic growth are driving development in these nations, but they also face significant challenges such as housing shortages, pollution, and income inequality.
According to the United Nations Report, the global population has grown dramatically, rising from around 1 billion in 1800 to 8 billion today. This number is expected to increase further, reaching 9.8 billion by 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100. Additionally, approximately 83 million people are added to the world’s population each year. This shows that the world’s population is growing at an unprecedented rate, which poses significant challenges for resources in the coming decades.
Most populated countries in the World
The table below presents the most populated countries in the world.
| Rank | Country | Most Recent Value | Continent/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇮🇳 India | 1.44 billion | Asia |
| 2 | 🇨🇳 China | 1.41 billion | Asia |
| 3 | 🇺🇸 United States | 334.91 million | North America |
| 4 | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 281.19 million | Asia |
| 5 | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 247.50 million | Asia |
| 6 | 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 227.88 million | Africa |
| 7 | 🇧🇷 Brazil | 211.14 million | South America |
| 8 | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 171.47 million | Asia |
| 9 | 🇷🇺 Russian Federation | 143.83 million | Europe/Asia |
| 10 | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 129.74 million | North America |
The data is collected from the following sources:
Population Data is collected from “2024 Revision of World Population Prospects” and Statista.
Data related to population growth rate and total fertility rate have been sourced from the World Bank.
1. India – Population: 1.44 billion
India is the world’s most populous country, overtaking China in 2023 to reach the top position. The country’s population is growing at 0.8% annually, with a fertility rate of 2.0 children per woman. India has achieved notable progress in socio-economic development, driven by its services, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.
By 2030, it aims to become a high-middle-income nation. However, challenges such as housing shortages, pollution, and income inequality continue to impede its development. Additionally, India’s Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.633 places it in the medium human development category, reflecting significant progress in life expectancy and education in the country.
2. China – Population: 1.41 billion
China had been the world’s most populous country for decades until India surpassed it in 2023. Its population is now gradually declining, with a growth rate of -0.1% and a fertility rate of 1.2 children per woman. The government has implemented policies like the two-child policy to address this decline. However, China has greatly improved living conditions for its large population by expanding access to education, healthcare, and modern infrastructure.
According to the World Bank, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty since the start of its economic reforms in the late 1970s. China’s HDI score of 0.768 reflects significant improvements in life expectancy and education status in the country. Despite significant progress, China continues to face challenges such as an aging population and regional disparities in income, especially between urban and rural areas.
Global Population Change by Generation in 2035
3. United States – Population: 334.91 million
The United States of America has a population of 334.91 million, making it the third-most populous country in the world. Despite a much smaller population compared to China and India, the U.S. has one of the largest economies and a strong global influence. The US population accounts for approximately 4% of the global population and is growing at 0.5% per annum. This growth is driven by a combination of natural increase and net international migration. It is projected that the US population will reach 441 million by 2050.
However, population growth in the country has slowed in recent years. The total fertility rate in the United States has declined to 1.7 children per woman, which indicates a potential long-term impact on population growth and demographic trends in the country. Additionally, the country is also navigating through various challenges such as income inequality, racial disparities, and access to affordable healthcare for its large population.
4. Indonesia – Population: 281.19 million
Indonesia is the world’s fourth-most populous country, with a population of over 281.19 million people. The country’s population is growing at a rate of 0.7% per annum, with a high total fertility rate of 2.2 children per woman. The majority of the Indonesian population resides on the islands of Java and Sumatra. Indonesia’s population is projected to continue growing, reaching an estimated 319 million by 2030.
5. Pakistan – Population: 247.50 million
With a population of over 247 million people, Pakistan ranks as the world’s fifth-most populous country. Its population is growing at a rate of 2.0% per annum, which makes it one of the fastest-growing countries in the world and one of the highest in South Asia. Additionally, the country has a relatively high total fertility rate of 3.6 children per woman, which reflects a significant level of population growth in the country. Pakistan’s population is projected to reach an estimated 263 million by 2030 and 344 million by 2050.
The high population growth rate poses significant challenges for the country’s economic, social, and environmental development. However, with a significant youth bulge, Pakistan’s population presents opportunities for a demographic dividend if harnessed effectively.
The countries with the lowest populations in the world
6. Nigeria – Population: 227.88 million
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the sixth-most populous country in the world. With a population of over 227.88 million people, Nigeria accounts for approximately 2.6% of the global population. Nigeria’s population is growing at a rate of 2.4% per annum, which is one of the highest in the world. This rapid growth is driven by a high fertility rate of 5.1 children per woman, which also ranks among the highest globally.
The country’s population is projected to continue growing, reaching an estimated 443 million by 2050. Such a fast population growth rate poses significant challenges for the country’s economic, social, and environmental development.
7. Brazil – Population: 211.14 million
With a population of over 211.14 million people, Brazil is the most populous country in South America and the seventh-most populous country in the world. The country’s population is growing at a rate of 0.5% per annum, which is driven by a total fertility rate of 1.6 children per woman. Additionally, its population is projected to reach an estimated 233 million by 2030. The majority of Brazil’s population is concentrated in the southeast states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais.
How Global Poverty Has Changed Over the Last 15 Years (2010-2024)
8. Bangladesh – Population: 171.47 million
Bangladesh, with a population exceeding 174.7 million, is the eighth-most populous country in the world. The country’s population is growing at a rate of 1.0% per annum and is projected to reach approximately 200 million by 2050. Notably, Bangladesh has successfully reduced its population growth rate, achieving a total fertility rate of 1.9 children per woman.
Despite its high population density, Bangladesh has made significant strides in reducing poverty and improving healthcare and education outcomes for its citizens.
9. Russian Federation – Population: 143.83 million
Russia is the ninth-most populous country in the world, with a population of approximately 143.83 million people. The country’s population has been declining since the 1990s, with a current growth rate of -0.3% per annum. Russia’s population is projected to continue declining, reaching an estimated 135 million by 2050. Additionally, the country’s population is also aging, with a significant proportion of Russians over the age of 65. This demographic trend in Russia poses significant challenges for the country’s economic growth, pension system, and labor market.
10. Mexico – Population: 129.74 million
Mexico has experienced significant population growth, primarily driven by historically high birth rates. Throughout the 20th century, the country saw rapid growth driven by high fertility rates. Additionally, significant advancements in medical care have greatly reduced the infant mortality rate in the country, resulting in an increased population.
In addition to the most populated countries in the world, there are also nations with populations numbering only in the thousands. These countries, often small island nations or territories, have unique demographic characteristics and cultures.
The 10 Least Populated Countries
The following table presents the 10 least populated countries in the world.
| Rank | Country | Most Recent Value | Continent/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇹🇻 Tuvalu | 9,820 | Oceania |
| 2 | 🇳🇷 Nauru | 11,880 | Oceania |
| 3 | 🇵🇼 Palau | 17,730 | Oceania |
| 4 | 🇫🇷 St. Martin (French part) | 27,520 | Caribbean (Europe) |
| 5 | 🇸🇲 San Marino | 33,860 | Europe |
| 6 | 🇬🇮 Gibraltar | 38,470 | Europe |
| 7 | 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands | 38,830 | Oceania |
| 8 | 🇲🇨 Monaco | 38,960 | Europe |
| 9 | 🇬🇧 British Virgin Islands | 38,980 | Caribbean (North America) |
| 10 | 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein | 39,850 | Europe |
A country’s population affects its economy, workforce, and global influence. A large population can drive economic growth by providing a bigger labor force and consumer market. However, it also creates challenges such as increased demand for resources, urban congestion, and pressure on public services.
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