Population size varies widely across the globe, with some countries hosting over a billion residents while others are home to just a few thousand. This list explores the most populated nations on Earth, with detailed descriptions of the top 20 countries and a complete ranking of the top 100.
Top 20 Most Populated Countries (2024 Estimates)
1. India
- Population: 1,438,069,596
- Continent: Asia
India is the most populous country in the world, boasting a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Its vibrant cities, such as Mumbai and Delhi, are economic powerhouses, while rural areas remain the heart of India’s heritage.
2. China
- Population: 1,422,584,933
- Continent: Asia
China has long been known for its immense population. Its dynamic economy, advanced technology, and historic landmarks like the Great Wall make it a global leader.
3. United States
- Population: 343,477,335
- Continent: Americas
As the most populous nation in the Americas, the United States is a hub of innovation and cultural influence, with diverse cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago leading the way.
4. Indonesia
- Population: 281,190,067
- Continent: Asia
The largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is known for its rich biodiversity and a growing economy anchored by cities like Jakarta.
5. Pakistan
- Population: 247,504,495
- Continent: Asia
Pakistan is a South Asian country with a deep cultural history, from ancient Indus Valley civilizations to bustling urban centers like Karachi.
6. Nigeria
- Population: 234,484,313
- Continent: Africa
As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria is an economic powerhouse, famous for its oil exports and vibrant Nollywood film industry.
7. Brazil
- Population: 218,479,800
- Continent: Americas
Known for its Amazon rainforest and vibrant Carnival celebrations, Brazil is the most populous country in South America.
8. Bangladesh
- Population: 182,764,565
- Continent: Asia
This small yet densely populated nation is a hub for textiles and garment manufacturing, contributing significantly to the global economy.
9. Russia
- Population: 146,982,256
- Continent: Europe/Asia
The largest country in the world by land area, Russia spans two continents and is rich in natural resources.
10. Mexico
- Population: 134,785,236
- Continent: Americas
Mexico is celebrated for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks like Chichén Itzá, and a growing economy.
11. Japan
- Population: 122,110,784
- Continent: Asia
A leading technological innovator, Japan combines ancient traditions with modern advancements, making it a global cultural icon.
12. Ethiopia
- Population: 122,066,645
- Continent: Africa
As one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Ethiopia is also known for its ancient history and coffee culture.
13. Philippines
- Population: 119,168,345
- Continent: Asia
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity.
14. Egypt
- Population: 109,400,723
- Continent: Africa
Famous for its pyramids and the Nile River, Egypt is a cornerstone of African and Middle Eastern history.
15. Vietnam
- Population: 98,228,712
- Continent: Asia
With a history of resilience and a growing tourism industry, Vietnam is a rising star in Southeast Asia.
16. Turkey
- Population: 88,374,352
- Continent: Europe/Asia
Straddling two continents, Turkey is known for its rich history and vibrant cities like Istanbul.
17. Iran
- Population: 87,634,731
- Continent: Asia
Iran boasts a rich cultural heritage, with ancient Persian landmarks and a significant role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
18. Germany
- Population: 84,174,862
- Continent: Europe
Europe’s largest economy, Germany is known for its engineering, culture, and historic landmarks.
19. Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Population: 84,066,546
- Continent: Africa
This vast country is rich in natural resources and biodiversity, with the Congo Rainforest being a global treasure.
20. Thailand
- Population: 72,148,679
- Continent: Asia
Thailand is renowned for its beautiful beaches, bustling markets, and rich cultural traditions.
21–40
- France – 67,891,275
- Italy – 60,414,360
- South Africa – 60,205,034
- South Korea – 51,715,953
- Ukraine – 41,026,883
- Spain – 47,585,269
- Argentina – 46,245,555
- Kenya – 54,617,020
- Colombia – 51,733,752
- Uganda – 48,396,803
- Tanzania – 65,497,948
- Sudan – 48,109,451
- Iraq – 45,358,772
- Poland – 37,757,812
- Canada – 39,943,444
- Morocco – 38,684,728
- Saudi Arabia – 36,210,785
- Uzbekistan – 36,024,670
- Malaysia – 35,896,454
- Venezuela – 32,219,981
41–60
- Afghanistan – 41,756,647
- Peru – 33,748,415
- Angola – 35,010,359
- Ghana – 34,121,649
- Nepal – 30,657,476
- Australia – 26,791,654
- Yemen – 31,020,023
- North Korea – 26,403,761
- Mozambique – 33,796,225
- Madagascar – 30,896,743
- Cameroon – 29,739,051
- Ivory Coast – 28,549,558
- Niger – 27,961,089
- Sri Lanka – 22,657,643
- Romania – 18,823,425
- Syria – 20,291,733
- Burkina Faso – 24,933,684
- Mali – 23,376,714
- Chile – 19,619,723
- Malawi – 20,284,307
61–80
- Kazakhstan – 19,205,132
- Zambia – 20,091,301
- Guatemala – 18,793,813
- Ecuador – 17,753,455
- Netherlands – 17,919,978
- Cambodia – 18,231,614
- Chad – 18,091,814
- Somalia – 17,590,643
- Zimbabwe – 17,263,293
- Guinea – 13,497,244
- Rwanda – 13,738,689
- Burundi – 12,973,345
- Tunisia – 12,123,453
- Benin – 13,409,822
- Belgium – 11,812,230
- Cuba – 11,129,166
- Bolivia – 12,472,147
- Haiti – 12,091,843
- Jordan – 11,809,184
- Czech Republic – 10,877,835
81–100
- Greece – 10,590,568
- Portugal – 10,271,617
- Hungary – 9,587,133
- Sweden – 10,342,305
- Austria – 9,020,344
- Switzerland – 8,905,387
- Serbia – 8,628,473
- Israel – 9,694,709
- Honduras – 9,570,152
- Paraguay – 7,684,976
- El Salvador – 7,194,200
- Nicaragua – 6,923,344
- Libya – 6,872,000
- Sierra Leone – 6,633,324
- Singapore – 6,157,200
- Slovakia – 5,793,067
- Norway – 5,503,830
- Ireland – 5,091,874
- Costa Rica – 5,328,023
- New Zealand – 5,308,800