In this article, we will look at the 50 most populated countries in the world. But before that, let’s talk about the trends in population growth, and what the world might look like in the coming years.
Trends in Population Growth Across the Globe
According to data from the United Nations, the global population has increased three fold as compared to the middle of the 20th century, and is expected to continue growing. While there were around 2.5 billion people living in the world in 1950, global population growth added 1 billion people to the total population count since 2010, and 2 billion people since 1998. The global population is anticipated to increase by another 2 billion people in the next 30 years, reaching 9.7 billion by 2050. It is expected to continue increasing, reaching the peak of approximately 10.4 billion people in the middle of the 2080s.
The drastic growth in global population is driven by several pivotal factors, some of which include the gradual expansion of human lifespan, increasing rate of migration, increasing urbanization, and growing fertility rates across certain regions in the world. According to statistics by the United States Census Bureau, which is an official website of the United States government, the five most populous countries in the world are India, China, United States, Indonesia and Pakistan. As of 2024, the population of India stands at 1.441 billion people, while China’s population is estimated to be 1.425 billion people. The third most populous country is the United States, with a population of 341.8 million as of 2024. Indonesia and Pakistan have populations of 279.8 million and 245.2 million people as of the same year, respectively.
Continents With the Most and Least Population Growth
Estimates by the United Nations show that more than 50% of the global growth in population between now and 2050 is anticipated to occur in Africa. The continent has the highest rate of population growth, with sub-Saharan Africa anticipated to double its population by 2050. In contrast, a majority of European countries are undergoing a sharp decrease in their population. Around 61 countries and areas across the globe are anticipated to undergo a population decrease by 2050, with the fall mounting to at least 10% for around 26 countries. You can also look at 20 Countries with the Lowest Population Growth in the World.
Other countries are expected to undergo a population decrease of more than 15%, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Japan, Lithuania, Serbia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania. Fertility rates in Europe are undergoing a steep decrease, with all countries standing below the required level of population replacement in the long run. This rate amounts to around 2.1 children per woman, and is a level almost all European countries have yet to reach.
Fertility reduction is likely to have a higher impact on countries with high levels of fertility today. Not only would a sustained fertility level drop in such countries have significant short-term impacts on population age distribution, it will also allow higher investments per child in education, healthcare, and other important services. Several organizations are working to curb population growth and reduce fertility rates. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies that develops and manufactures medicines across various medical domains. It is also one of the several companies actively working to manufacture oral contraceptives, injectable contraceptives, and other women’s healthcare products. The company’s Sayana Press was the first injectable contraceptive in the United Kingdom that could be administered through self-injection.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has also joined hands with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Becton, Dickinson & Company (NYSE:BDX) to expand its commitment to increasing the accessibility of contraceptives across the globe. The partnership will allow increased access to injectable contraceptives to women living in lower or lower middle income countries. The expanded agreement will run through 2030 with the primary objective of delivering around 320 million injectable contraceptive doses manufactured and developed by Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE). The partnership intends to maintain the formerly guaranteed cost of $0.85 per unit for purchases made in the public sector in low and lower middle income countries. According to the initial set up of the agreement made in 2014, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) will grow its manufacturing capacity by 65%. In addition, its partners will elevate the number of eligible countries from 69 to 92, thereby including all the low and lower middle income countries as highlighted by the World Bank. The increase will also allow the expanded partnership to spread to several upper-middle income countries, aiming for long term benefits revolving around reduced fertility rates and higher investments per child.
Now that we have taken an overview of the population trends and growth rates, let us look at the 50 most populated countries in the world. You can also look at 30 Most Densely Populated Countries in the World in 2024 and 20 Countries with the Largest Urban Population in the World.
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Our Methodology
In order to compile a list of the 50 most populated countries in the world, we have used the total population of countries as of 2024 as the primary and sole metric. We sourced the most recent population data from the United Nations Population Fund, which is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. The 50 most populated countries in the world are arranged in ascending order of their population as of 2024.
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50 Most Populated Countries in the World
50. Venezuela
Population as of 2024: 28.8 million people
Venezuela is a South American country located on the region’s northern coast. It ranks in the 50th spot on our list of the 50 most populated countries in the world.
49. Nepal
Population as of 2024: 30.8 million people
The landlocked country of Nepal is majorly located in the Himalayas, and is known for its picturesque landscape. The country has a population of 30.8 million people as of 2024, ranking it 49th on our list.
48. Mozambique
Population as of 2024: 33.8 million people
With a population of 33.8 million people as of 2024, Mozambique ranks 48th on our list. The country is located in southeast Africa, sharing a long coastline with the Indian Ocean to its east.
47. Malaysia
Population as of 2024: 34.3 million people
Malaysia is the melting pot of Malay, Chinese, European, and Indian cultures and is located in Southeast Asia on the Malay peninsula. It ranks 47th on our list.
46. Yemen
Population as of 2024: 34.4 million people
As of 2024, around 34.4 million people live in Yemen. Located in the southwestern region of the Arabian Peninsula, the country is considered one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. According to UNICEF, around 9.8 million children in the country require one form of humanitarian assistance or the other.
45. Peru
Population as of 2024: 34.7 million people
The South American nation of Peru is famous for housing a part of the Amazon rainforest and the Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city nestled high within the Andes mountains. The country has a population of 34.7 million people as of 2024.
44. Ghana
Population as of 2024: 34.8 million people
Around 34.8 million people live in Ghana as of 2024, according to estimates by the United Nations Population Fund. The country ranks 44th on our list.
43. Uzbekistan
Population as of 2024: 35.7 million people
The Central Asian country of Uzbekistan was formerly a part of the Soviet Republic. The country has a population of 35.7 million people as of 2024, ranking it in the 43rd spot on our list.
42. Saudi Arabia
Population as of 2024: 37.5 million people
Saudi Arabia is considered as one of the most sacred places for Muslims, primarily because of its cities of Makkah and Madina. The country has a population of 37.5 million, a majority of which is Muslim.
41. Angola
Population as of 2024: 37.8 million people
Angola is a southern African country that houses 37.8 million people. The country’s colonial past can be seen reflected in its cuisine, culture, and architecture. It ranks in the 41st spot on our list.
40. Ukraine
Population as of 2024: 37.9 million people
Ukraine has a population of 37.9 million people, giving it the 40th spot. The country is knee-deep in a military crisis with Russia, which is the largest country in Europe.
39. Morocco
Population as of 2024: 38.2 million people
Morocco ranks in the 39th spot on our list of the 50 most populated countries in the world. The North African country has a population of 38.2 million people as of 2024.
38. Canada
Population as of 2024: 39.1 million people
With a population of around 39.1 million people, Canada ranks in the 38th spot on our list. It is the second largest country in the world by area, and houses the longest coastline across the globe.
37. Poland
Population as of 2024: 40.2 million people
The European country of Poland ranks in the 37th spot on our list. The country is a popular tourist spot because of its picturesque landscape.
36. Afghanistan
Population as of 2024: 43.4 million people
Around 43.4 million people live in Afghanistan as of 2024, ranking it 36th on our list. The country has had a turbulent history with foreign invasions and internal conflict. It is located on the juncture between Central and South Asia.
35. Iraq
Population as of 2024: 45.5 million people
Iraq houses 45.5 million people as of 2024, ranking it 35th on our list. The country is rife in historical monuments and archaeological finds.
34. Algeria
Population as of 2024: 45.6 million people
Officially known as the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the country is located in North Africa. It has a population of 45.6 million people, trailing behind Iraq on our list.
33. Argentina
Population as of 2024: 46.1 million people
Argentina ranks in the 33rd spot on our list of the 50 most populated countries in the world. The South American country has a population of 46.1 million people.
32. Spain
Population as of 2024: 47.5 million people
Spain houses around 47.5 million people as of 2024. The country is located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe, and is known for its diversity because of the 17 autonomous regions that come under its umbrella.
31. Uganda
Population as of 2024: 48.5 million people
Around 48.5 million people live in Uganda as of 2024, ranking it 31st on our list. The landlocked country is located in East Africa.
30. Sudan
Population as of 2024: 49.4 million people
Officially known as the Republic of the Sudan, Sudan is a Northeast African country with a population of 49.4 million people as of 2024. It ranks 30th on our list.
29. South Korea
Population as of 2024: 51.7 million people
The Republic of Korea, more commonly known as South Korea is an East Asian country that is rising in popularity as a tourist destination due to its K-beauty and K-pop cultures. The country ranks 29th on our list.
28. Colombia
Population as of 2024: 52.3 million people
Colombia is a South American nation with insular regions located in North America. It has a population of 52.3 million people as of 2024, ranking it 28th on our list.
27. Myanmar
Population as of 2024: 54.5 million people
Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar ranks in the 27th spot on our list of the 50 most populated countries in the world. The country has a population of 54.5 million people as of 2024.
26. Kenya
Population as of 2024: 56.2 million people
Kenya houses 56.2 million people as of 2024, ranking it in the 26th spot on our list. The country is located in East Africa, and shares a coastline with the Indian Ocean.
25. Italy
Population as of 2024: 58.7 million people
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The European country has a population of 58.7 million people as of 2024.
24. South Africa
Population as of 2024: 61 million people
The 24th spot on our list is taken by South Africa, a country that stands on the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of 61 million people as of 2024.
23. France
Population as of 2024: 64.9 million people
France is another popular tourist destination in Europe, and ranks in the 23rd place on our list. The country has a population of 64.9 million people as of 2024.
22. The United Kingdom
Population as of 2024: 67.7 million people
The United Kingdom comprises the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It has a population of 67.7 million people as of 2024.
21. Tanzania
Population as of 2024: 69.4 million people
Tanzania ranks in the 21st spot on our list of the 50 most populated countries in the world. The East African country has a population of 69.4 million people as of 2024.
20. Thailand
Population as of 2024: 71.9 million people
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its awe-inspiring royal palaces, picturesque beaches, and historic ruins. With a population of 71.9 million people, Thailand ranks in the 20th spot on our list.
19. Germany
Population as of 2024: 83.3 million people
Around 83.3 million people live in Germany as of 2024. The Western European country has significant historical landmarks dating back to over two millennia.
18. Turkiye
Population as of 2024: 86.3 million people
Formerly known as Turkey, Turkiye takes the 18th spot on our list. The country is a popular tourist hub, and houses 86.3 million people as of 2024.
17. Iran
Population as of 2024: 89.8 million people
The 17th spot on our list of the 50 most populated countries in the world is held by Iran. The country has a population of 89.8 million people as of 2024.
16. Vietnam
Population as of 2024: 99.5 million people
The Southeast Asian country of Vietnam is lined with beaches, bustling cities, and sparkling rivers. It ranks in the 16th spot on our list.
15. Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Population as of 2024: 105.6 million people
The Democratic Republic of Congo houses 105.6 million people as of 2024. The Central African country goes by several names, including Congo DR, Congo-Kinshasa, DR Congo, Congo-Zaire, Congo DR, and simply Congo.
14. Egypt
Population as of 2024: 114.5 million people
Most famously known for the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt is a popular tourist destination. It has a population of 114.5 million people as of 2024.
13. The Philippines
Population as of 2024: 119.1 million people
The Philippines is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia. The country has more than 7000 islands scattered in the western Pacific Ocean, making it a popular tourist destination.
12. Japan
Population as of 2024: 122.6 million people
With a population of 122.6 million people, the futuristic country of Japan ranks in the 12th spot on our list of the 50 most populated countries in the world. The East Asian island country is located in the northwest Pacific Ocean.
11. Mexico
Population as of 2024: 129.4 million people
Mexico is a North American country with a population of 129.4 million people. The country’s rich culture, vibrant cities, and unique cuisine make it famous among tourists from across the world.
10. Ethiopia
Population as of 2024: 129.7 million people
Around 129.7 million people live in Ethiopia. The landlocked country is located in the Horn of Africa, and boasts archaeological findings dating back to more than three million years.
9. Russia
Population as of 2024: 144 million people
Russia is located in Eastern Europe and North Asia, and is the largest country in the world by area. However, it is the ninth largest country in terms of population, which stands at 144 million people as of 2024.
8. Bangladesh
Population as of 2024: 174.7 million people
Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, is a South Asian country with a population of 174.7 million people. It is located east of India on the Bay of Bengal.
7. Brazil
Population as of 2024: 217.6 million people
Brazil is the largest country in South America by area, and the fifth largest country by area in the world. It has a population of 217.6 million people as of 2024, which gives it the title of the seventh largest country in the world by population.
6. Nigeria
Population as of 2024: 229.2 million people
Around 229.2 million people live in Nigeria as of 2024. The country is located in West Africa, and ranks in the sixth spot on our list of the 50 most populated countries in the world.
5. Pakistan
Population as of 2024: 245.2 million people
Pakistan stands as the fifth most populous country in the world, with around 245.2 million people living in the country as of 2024. Officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the country houses the second largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia.