Rankings
Most Populous Countries in the World
50 countries ranked·Source: CIA World Factbook·Last updated: 2026
India is the most populous country in the world with over 1.44 billion people, having surpassed China in 2023. China ranks second with approximately 1.41 billion, and the United States is third with around 341 million. Together, the world's 50 most populated nations account for the vast majority of the global population, which exceeds 8.2 billion people.
Key Facts
- India surpassed China as the world's most populous country in April 2023.
- The top 10 most populated countries account for about 58% of the global population.
- Asia is home to 6 of the 10 most populous countries in the world.
- Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous country by 2050.
- The global population growth rate has been declining steadily since the 1960s.
Top 50 Ranking
| # | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  India | 1,419,316,933 |
| 2 |  China | 1,407,181,209 |
| 3 |  United States | 338,016,259 |
| 4 |  Indonesia | 283,587,097 |
| 5 |  Pakistan | 257,047,044 |
| 6 |  Nigeria | 244,344,065 |
| 7 |  Brazil | 221,359,387 |
| 8 |  Bangladesh | 174,370,536 |
| 9 |  Russia | 140,134,279 |
| 10 |  Mexico | 130,739,927 |
| 11 |  Japan | 123,201,945 |
| 12 |  Ethiopia | 121,372,632 |
| 13 |  DRC | 119,038,825 |
| 14 |  Philippines | 118,277,063 |
| 15 |  Egypt | 112,870,457 |
| 16 |  Vietnam | 106,688,169 |
| 17 |  Iran | 89,177,357 |
| 18 |  Turkey | 84,625,585 |
| 19 |  Germany | 84,012,284 |
| 20 |  Thailand | 70,025,248 |
| 21 |  Tanzania | 69,145,464 |
| 22 |  United Kingdom | 68,751,311 |
| 23 |  France | 68,512,806 |
| 24 |  South Africa | 61,089,926 |
| 25 |  Italy | 60,924,851 |
| 26 |  Burma | 57,931,718 |
| 27 |  Kenya | 55,751,717 |
| 28 |  South Korea | 51,486,343 |
| 29 |  Uganda | 50,863,850 |
| 30 |  Sudan | 50,467,278 |
| 31 |  Colombia | 49,842,298 |
| 32 |  Afghanistan | 49,474,805 |
| 33 |  Algeria | 47,735,685 |
| 34 |  Spain | 47,280,433 |
| 35 |  Argentina | 45,418,098 |
| 36 |  Iraq | 42,917,742 |
| 37 |  Canada | 39,187,155 |
| 38 |  Angola | 38,984,796 |
| 39 |  Poland | 38,746,310 |
| 40 |  Morocco | 37,387,585 |
| 41 |  Uzbekistan | 37,015,151 |
| 42 |  Saudi Arabia | 36,544,431 |
| 43 |  Ukraine | 35,661,826 |
| 44 |  Ghana | 35,336,133 |
| 45 |  Malaysia | 34,905,275 |
| 46 |  Yemen | 34,505,496 |
| 47 |  Mozambique | 34,206,144 |
| 48 |  Peru | 32,768,614 |
| 49 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 31,855,971 |
| 50 |  Venezuela | 31,755,435 |
Understanding World Population Rankings
Population rankings are based on the latest estimates from the CIA World Factbook. Population size is influenced by birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns. Countries like India and Nigeria are experiencing rapid growth, while nations such as Japan and several European countries face declining populations. Population density varies enormously — Bangladesh has over 1,200 people per km² while Australia has fewer than 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most populous country in the world?
India is the most populous country in the world with over 1.44 billion people, having surpassed China in April 2023 according to United Nations estimates.
What are the 10 most populated countries?
The 10 most populated countries are India, China, United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Bangladesh, Russia, and Ethiopia. Together, they account for approximately 58% of the world's total population.
When did India surpass China in population?
India surpassed China as the world's most populous country in April 2023. India's population continues to grow while China's has started to decline due to low birth rates and an aging population.
What is the world's total population?
The world's total population exceeds 8.2 billion people as of 2026. The global population is projected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050 and peak at around 10.4 billion in the 2080s.
Which continent has the most people?
Asia is the most populated continent with over 4.7 billion people, accounting for nearly 60% of the world's population. It is home to the two most populous countries: India and China.