When people ask which are the most populous countries in the world, they are usually surprised by how top-heavy the list is. Just two countries, India and China, are each home to more than 1.4 billion people — together accounting for roughly a third of everyone alive today. After that, population drops off quickly, with the United States sitting a distant third at around 340 million.
Top 10 Most Populous Countries
Based on the latest United Nations and national census estimates, the ten most populous countries in the world are, in order: India, China, the United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Bangladesh, Russia, and Mexico. Together these ten nations hold more than half of the world’s population, even though they make up a small fraction of the roughly 195 recognized countries on Earth.
- India — over 1.4 billion, and still growing
- China — over 1.4 billion, population now declining slightly
- United States — around 340 million
- Indonesia — around 280 million
- Pakistan — around 250 million
- Nigeria — around 230 million and among the fastest-growing on this list
- Brazil — around 215 million
- Bangladesh — around 175 million
- Russia — around 143 million
- Mexico — around 130 million
For live, continuously updated figures rather than a snapshot, use our Rankings tool, which sorts every country we track by population, area, and GDP.
Why India Overtook China
For decades, China was the most populous nation on Earth. That changed as China’s birth rate fell sharply following decades of rapid urbanization, rising living costs, and the lingering effects of its former one-child policy, while India’s larger, younger population continued to grow. Demographers expect India to hold the top spot for the foreseeable future.
Population Isn’t the Same as Population Density
It’s worth separating total population from crowding. A country can have a huge population and still feel spacious — Russia, for example, ranks ninth by population but has one of the lowest population densities on the planet because of its enormous, sparsely settled territory. For the opposite end of the spectrum, see our guide to the countries with the highest population density.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the largest population in the world?
India currently has the largest population in the world, having overtaken China in recent years.
Will Nigeria become one of the most populous countries?
Yes — Nigeria has one of the highest population growth rates among large countries and is projected to keep climbing this ranking over the coming decades. See also our piece on the fastest growing populations by country.
What is the least populous country in the world?
Vatican City is the least populous country in the world. Read the full list in our guide to the least populous countries in the world.
Want to compare any two nations from this list side by side? Try our free country comparison tool.
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