Which countries hold most of the world's 8.2 billion people? Here is the UN's list for 2024.
| Rank | Country | People (about, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 1.45 billion |
| 2 | China | 1.42 billion |
| 3 | United States | 345 million |
| 4 | Indonesia | 283 million |
| 5 | Pakistan | 251 million |
| 6 | Nigeria | 233 million |
| 7 | Brazil | 212 million |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 174 million |
| 9 | Russia | 145 million |
| 10 | Ethiopia | 132 million |
Key idea
India (about 1.45 billion) and China (about 1.42 billion) are far ahead of everyone else. Then come the United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria and Brazil (UN, 2024).
Why it works
India and China each have more people than North and South America together. Both have long histories of farming on rich river plains, which can feed many people. In recent decades China's birth rate fell sharply, while India's fell more slowly, so India passed China in 2023, according to the UN.
Worked example: How far ahead?
How many more people did India have than China in 2024?
- India: about 1,451 million. China: about 1,419 million.
- 1,451 − 1,419 = 32.
Answer: About 32 million more.
Worked example: Africa's giant
Which is the most populous country in Africa?
- Nigeria has about 233 million people (2024).
- Ethiopia, the next, has about 132 million.
Answer: Nigeria.
Worked example: Where are the ten?
How many of the ten most populous countries are in Asia?
- India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh are in Asia: that is 5.
- Nigeria and Ethiopia are in Africa; the United States and Brazil are in the Americas.
- Russia spans Europe and Asia; most of its people live in the European part.
Answer: Five (six if you count Russia).
Common mistake
Many people still think China has the most people. That was true for centuries, but India passed China in 2023, according to the UN. Always check the year of a population list.