Top 10 Most Populous Countries in the World
Taken together, these ten countries account for about 57%. This means that most and more than half of the world's population lives in one of the following countries. What are the most populous countries in the world? Let's read and find out!
Top 10 most populous countries in the world
Top 10 most populous countries in the world
1. China
Population: 1.43 billion (18.3% of the world's population)
With a population of about 1.43 billion, China is still the most populous country on Earth. China was actually the most populous country on the planet for a while. At the same time, however, China's birth rate and therefore population have been declining over the past few decades, which could mean a fall from the No. 1 spot in the not-too-distant future. However, as of now, 18.3% of all people, that is, 5 to 6 people, live in the People's Republic of China, more than any other country.
2. India
Population: 1.35 billion (17.3% of the world's population)
Currently, India represents the second most populous country on Earth with 1.35 billion people. However, this can change quite quickly. If you compare India's birth rate with that of China, it seems like it's only a matter of time until India will overtake China as the world's No. 1 in terms of population size. 17.3% of all humans currently live in India.
3. The United States of America
Population: 328.2 million (4.2% of world population)
Following the top two countries by quite a distance, is the US. With about 328 million people today, the United States has experienced a massive population boom over the past few decades. While the birth rate is actually decreasing in the United States, immigration plays the biggest role in boosting the population numbers in the United States. About 4.2% of humanity now lives in the United States.
4. Indonesia
Population: 267.7 million (3.5% of the world's population)
With a population of more than 268 million, Indonesia ranks fourth. The Southeast Asian country, consisting of several islands, has experienced rapid population growth over the past half-century. This number is expected to increase even more. As of now, 3.5% of the total world population lives in Indonesia.
5. Pakistan
Population: 212.7 million (2.7% of the world's population)
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, having recently surpassed Brazil in population. This South Asian country has a population of about 213 million, meaning about 2.7% of the population lives in Pakistan.
6. Brazil
Population: 210.1 million (2.7% of the world's population)
Brazil is not just Rio de Janeiro. In fact, Rio is not even the largest city in the country. In total, Brazil currently has a population of about 210 million people and is the 5th most populous country in the world. Given the declining birth rate in South America's largest country, this may change in the near future, but so far, around 2.7% of all people still live in the country of Samba.
7. Nigeria
Population: 204.6 million (2.6% of world population)
Having recently passed the 200 million people mark, Nigeria is now the seventh most populous country on Earth. The West African country has experienced an extreme population boom since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. About 2.6% of the total population now live in Nigeria.
8. Bangladesh
Population: 161.4 million (2.1% of world population)
Along with India and Pakistan, Bangladesh is the next South Asian country in the Top 10 most populous countries in the world. Bangladesh currently has a population of about 161 people, about 2.1% of the world's population.
9. Russia
Population 146.8 million (1.8% of world population)
The world's largest country by area is also the ninth largest country in the world by population. Russia's population is about 147 million people. 77% of that population lives in the much smaller European part of Russia. In total, Russia is home to about 1.8% of the world's population.
10. Mexico
Population: 126.6 million (1.6% of the world's population)
Mexico is in the top 10 most populous countries in the world. The North American country has a population of about 127 million people. This means that about 1.6% of all humans currently live in Mexico.
Top 10 most populous countries in the world
(as of January 2020)
The 10 most populous countries in the world:
1. CHINA
1.43 billion people
2. INDIA
1.35 billion people
3. USA
328.2 million people
4. INDONESIA
267.7 million people
5. PAKISTAN
212.7 million people
6. BRAZIL
210.1 million people
7. NIGERIA
204.6 million people
8. BANGLADESH
161.4 million people
9. RUSSIA
146.8 million people
10. MEXICO
126.6 million people