The world population is set to cross the 10 billion mark shortly after 2050. Currently, the following are the top 10 contributors to the world population. Let’s read.
Top 10 most populated countries in the world
- India (1.46 billion)
- China (1.416 billion)
- USA (347 million)
- Indonesia (286 million)
- Pakistan (255 million)
- Nigeria (238 million)
- Brazil (213 million)
- Bangladesh (176 million)
- Russia (144 million)
- Ethiopia (136 million)
– 2025 estimate
1. India
India is the most populated country in the world with around 1.46 billion people (2025 estimate). The seventh largest country in the world surpassed China in terms of population in April 2023 according to UN.
2. China
Coming in at number two on this list, China is not too far behind India. China’s population is estimated at 1.416 billion (2025 estimate). It is also the fourth largest nation in the world in terms of area.
One thing worth noticing is that India’s population density is much higher than China’s, as it has an area almost one-third the land area of China.
3. USA
Though the USA is number three on this list, its population is way less than China and India. The US has a population of around 347 million (2025 estimate). With a large land area, the US is not very densely populated as most countries on this list. It is also the third most visited country in the world.
4. Indonesia
Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia with several thousand islands. The islands of Java and Sumatra are the most populated and they make up nearly 80 percent of the total population. The total population of Indonesia is around 286 million (2025 estimate).
5. Pakistan
Pakistan is a country in South Asia with a rapidly rising population. Its population currently is estimated to be around 255 million (2025 estimate). Pakistan is expected to overtake Indonesia in terms of population numbers in a few decades. The majority population of Pakistan is concentrated in the Punjab and Sindh provinces.
6. Nigeria
Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world. The country will probably jump to number three on this list around 2050. Currently, Nigeria’s population is around 238 million (2025 estimate). It is the most populated country in Africa.
7. Brazil
The first South American country on this list, Brazil has a population of 213 million (2025 estimate). It is the fifth-largest country in the world by area. Just like the USA, Brazil is also sparsely populated. Moreover, Brazil’s population will most likely begin declining soon.
8. Bangladesh
Coming in at number eighth spot on this list, Bangladesh has a population of around 176 million (2025 estimate). It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
9. Russia
The largest country in the world is the ninth most populated country. The population of Russia is around 144 million and may decline by a few million this decade. The majority of the Russian population is concentrated in the western part of the country. The capital city of Moscow is the only city in Russia with over 10 million residents.
10. Ethiopia
Ethiopia takes the last spot on the top 10 list of most populous countries in the world. It has a population of around 136 million (2025 estimate). It is the second most populous country in Africa after Nigeria.
Most asked questions
1. What is the most populated country in the world?
Answer – India
2. What is the most populated country in Africa?
Answer – Nigeria
3. What is the most populated country in Europe?
Answer – Russia
4. What is the most populated country in South America?
Answer – Brazil
5. What is the most populated country in North America?
Answer – United States of America
6. What is the second most populated country in Africa?
Answer – Ethiopia
7. What is the most populated country in Asia?
Answer – India