In this article, we will take a look at the 5 countries with the largest rural population in the world. If you want to read our discussion on the rural economy trends, you can go directly to the 20 Countries with the Largest Rural Population in the World.
5. Bangladesh
Rural Population: 103,206,552
Bangladesh ranks as the world’s eighth most populous country, accounting for nearly 2.2% of the global population. Around 68.34% of the country’s population resides in rural areas. There are nearly 87,000 villages in the country, comprising almost 75% of the population. Most villages are located in low-lying areas, surrounded by rivers and fields. Roughly half of the population in Bangladesh is primarily engaged in agricultural work, utilizing over 70% of the country’s land for cultivation purposes.
4. Indonesia
Rural Population: 115,892,393
Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia, has a rural population that represents 42.07% of its total population. About 29% of the country’s workforce is employed in the agricultural sector, which contributes 13.7% to Indonesia’s GDP through primary agricultural production. Rice is the major crop cultivated in Indonesia.
3. Pakistan
Rural Population: 146,845,783
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a developing country in South Asia. Pakistan’s rural population is estimated at 146,845,783 as of 2022, reflecting a 1.44% increase from the previous year. Pakistan has a 64% rural population, which relies majorly on agriculture for sustenance and income. Pakistan’s top crops, including wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and rice, hold the highest importance in terms of value, accounting for more than 75% of the total crop output’s worth.
2. China
Rural Population: 514,596,570
The rural population in the People’s Republic of China makes up less than half of China’s population (roughly 45%). Nearly 40% of China’s workforce is engaged in farming. Meanwhile, agricultural production makes up around 9% of China’s GDP. Rice, wheat, and maize are the primary crops, collectively contributing to over 90% of the country’s total food production. China is at the second position on our list of countries with the largest rural population in the world.
1. India
Rural Population: 908,804,812
India, a country in South Asia, is densely populated and predominantly rural. Despite being the world’s seventh-largest country by area, over two-thirds (66%) of its population resides in rural areas. Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh have more than 80% of the rural population. About 58% of the Indian population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. The country is the second-largest producer of wheat and rice and also a leading producer of milk globally.
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