The world population is set to cross the 10 billion mark shortly after 2050. The yearly population growth rates across the world have declined in the last few decades, still the world population is expected to begin declining only after this century. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 contributors to the world population. Here is a list of the top 10 most populated countries in the world.
Top 10 most populated countries in the world
- India (~1.43 billion)
- China (~1.426 billion)
- USA (over 333 million)
- Indonesia (275-280 million)
- Pakistan (over 240 million)
- Nigeria (220-230 million)
- Brazil (215-220 million)
- Bangladesh (165 million)
- Russia (~145 million)
- Mexico (~130 million)
1. India
India is the most populated country in the world with around 1.43 billion people (2023 estimate). The seventh largest country in the world surpassed China in terms of population in April 2023 according to UN.
2. China
Coming at number two on this list, China is not too far behind India. China’s population is estimated at 1.426 billion (2023 estimate). It is also the fourth largest nation in the world in terms of area. China’s population has somewhat stabilized and is expected to begin declining after 2030.
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 over 333 million (2022 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 almost 79 percent of the total population. The total population of Indonesia is around 275-280 million (2023 estimate).
5. Pakistan
Pakistan is a country in South Asia with a rapidly rising population. Its population currently is estimated to be over 240 million (2023 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. Nigeria will jump to number three on this list around 2050. Currently, Nigeria’s population is between 220-230 million (2023 estimate). It is the most populated country in Africa.
7. Brazil
The first South American country on this list, Brazil has a population of 215-220 million (2023 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 shortly after 2050.
8. Bangladesh
Coming at number eighth spot on this list, Bangladesh has a population of around 165 million (2022 census). It is also the seventh most densely populated country in the world. After 2050, Bangladesh’s population will stabilize and begin declining just like India’s population.
9. Russia
The largest country in the world is the ninth most populated country. The population of Russia is around 145 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. Mexico
Mexico takes the last spot on the top 10 list of most populous countries in the world, beating Japan. It has a population of around 130 million (2023 estimate). Mexico City, the capital, has a population of over 12 million and it is the most populous city in Mexico. It is also the only city with over 10 million population in the country.
Mexico is a tourist magnet attracting millions of tourists each year. It is one of the most visited countries in the world.
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