World Population by Country 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Global Population Overview 2025

The world’s population has reached a historic milestone in 2025, with 8.24 billion people inhabiting our planet according to the latest United Nations Population Division estimates. This remarkable figure represents continued growth from the 8 billion mark crossed in late 2022, adding approximately 240 million people in just over two years. However, the story behind these numbers reveals a fundamental shift in global demographics—the annual growth rate has declined to 0.85% in 2025, down from 0.97% in 2020 and 1.25% in 2015, marking the slowest pace of population expansion in decades. The world adds roughly 70 million people per year currently, but projections indicate this growth will continue slowing as fertility rates decline across most regions and the global demographic transition advances.

Understanding world population by country provides crucial insights into economic development, resource distribution, migration patterns, and future global challenges. The distribution of humanity across nations is remarkably uneven, with just two countries—India and China—accounting for over 2.8 billion people, representing more than one-third of all humans. Meanwhile, the smallest nations combined contain fewer people than a single large city. These population statistics influence everything from geopolitical power dynamics to climate change impacts, making them essential data for policymakers, businesses, researchers, and anyone seeking to understand our interconnected world. The United Nations projects the global population will reach 9 billion by 2037, 10 billion by 2060, and peak at approximately 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s before potentially beginning a gradual decline.

Key World Population Stats & Facts 2025

Data Source: United Nations Population Division – World Population Prospects 2024 Revision, Worldometer (October 2025)

The global population statistics for 2025 paint a picture of a world in demographic transition. With 8.24 billion people, humanity has experienced tremendous growth over the past century, rising from approximately 3 billion in 1960 to current levels—nearly tripling in just 65 years. However, the 0.85% annual growth rate represents a significant slowdown from the peak growth rate of approximately 2% in the mid-1960s, indicating that population expansion is decelerating globally. The world currently adds about 70 million people annually, equivalent to roughly 192,000 individuals per day, but this figure continues declining as birth rates fall across most regions.

India has become the world’s most populous nation with 1.464 billion people in 2025, surpassing China’s 1.416 billion as China experiences negative population growth of -0.23% annually. Together, these two Asian giants account for more than 2.8 billion people or 35% of humanity. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Nigeria leads absolute population growth with an addition of 4.85 million people in the past year, while the Democratic Republic of Congo posts the highest growth rate at 3.25%, doubling its population every 21 years at current rates. Remarkably, 23 countries now experience negative population growth, including major economies like China, Japan, Germany, Russia, and Italy, signaling profound demographic shifts. The global median age hovers around 30-31 years, though this varies dramatically by region, with Africa’s median under 20 while Europe and East Asia exceed 40 years.

World Population by Country

Data Source: UN Population Division World Population Prospects 2024 (October 2025)

As of 2025, the global population is estimated at 8.2 billion, reflecting steady growth despite regional differences. India tops the list with 1.46 billion people, accounting for 17.78% of the world’s population, followed by China with 1.41 billion (17.20%), though China’s population has declined by more than 3.2 million compared to 2024 due to its low fertility rate and aging demographic. The United States, holding third place with 347 million (4.22% of global share), continues moderate growth of 0.54% annually, driven by migration and a stable birth rate. Other major contributors include Indonesia (285.7 million, +0.79%), Pakistan (255.2 million, +1.57%), and Nigeria (237.5 million, +2.08%), with these developing nations collectively accounting for nearly 10% of the world’s total population. These figures show that Asia remains the demographic powerhouse, while Africa is emerging as the next major growth region.

African countries exhibit the highest population growth rates globally. Nigeria added nearly 4.85 million people in 2025, followed by Ethiopia (+3.4 million, 2.58%), DR Congo (+3.55 million, 3.25%), and Tanzania (+1.98 million, 2.90%), all showcasing rapid demographic expansion. These trends underscore Africa’s pivotal role in driving future global population increases. In contrast, several European and East Asian countries are witnessing population declines. Russia (-0.57%), Japan (-0.52%), Germany (-0.56%), and Italy (-0.33%) are losing residents due to aging populations, low fertility, and limited immigration. This divergence highlights a shifting demographic balance where Africa and South Asia are expanding rapidly, while developed economies in Europe and East Asia grapple with population contraction and rising dependency ratios.

From an economic and social standpoint, the 2025 population distribution reveals significant disparities in growth dynamics and their global implications. Asia, home to nearly 60% of the global population, continues to dominate in population size, with India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh alone representing over 40% of the world’s total. Meanwhile, the United States and Brazil remain the largest populations in the Americas, with 347 million and 212 million respectively. Africa’s share, led by Nigeria and Ethiopia, is expanding faster than any other continent, signaling future shifts in labor force potential and consumption markets. On the other hand, declining or stagnant populations in Europe and East Asia raise concerns about economic sustainability and innovation capacity. Overall, the UN Population Division 2024 report indicates that while global population growth is slowing, the emerging demographic centers in Africa and South Asia will shape the world’s economic, social, and environmental future in the decades ahead.

Urban vs Rural Population Distribution 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects 2024 (October 2025)

Urbanization represents one of the most profound transformations in human settlement patterns, with approximately 4.8 billion people (58%) now living in urban areas compared to just 30% in 1950. The world adds roughly 80 million urban residents annually, driven by rural-to-urban migration and natural increase in cities. Remarkably, rural populations are declining globally at -0.1% annually as people abandon agricultural communities for urban opportunities. This means essentially all net population growth occurs in cities, creating massive urban agglomerations that strain infrastructure, housing, and services.

Thirty-three cities now exceed 10 million residents, classified as megacities, collectively housing approximately 750 million people. Tokyo remains the world’s largest urban area with over 37 million people, followed by Delhi (33 million), Shanghai (29 million), São Paulo (22 million), and Mumbai (21 million). Over 500 cities worldwide surpass 1 million population, and emerging megacities in Africa and Asia will drive future urban growth. Regional urbanization varies dramatically—the Americas (82%), Europe (75%), and Oceania (68%) are highly urbanized with slow further growth, while Africa (43%) and Asia (52%) are undergoing rapid urban transition that will add 2.5 billion urban residents by 2050. This unprecedented urbanization creates opportunities for economic development and service delivery but also challenges including slums, pollution, congestion, and inequality.

Life Expectancy by Country 2025

Data Source: World Bank, WHO, UN Population Division (2024-2025 estimates)

Life expectancy at birth serves as a comprehensive indicator of health, development, and quality of life, and 2025 data shows a 36-year gap between the longest and shortest-lived nations. Monaco’s 89.4 years tops the world, though as a tiny wealthy microstate it may not be fully representative. Among major nations, Japan’s 84.8 years leads, followed closely by Singapore (84.4), Switzerland (84.0), and South Korea (83.7). These nations combine advanced healthcare, healthy diets, low violence, universal coverage, and preventive care to maximize longevity.

Sub-Saharan Africa dominates the lowest life expectancy rankings, with Chad (54.2 years), Nigeria (55.8), and the Central African Republic (53.1) facing premature mortality from infectious diseases, malnutrition, conflict, inadequate healthcare, and maternal/child mortality. The 35-year gap between Japanese and Chadian life expectancy reflects profound inequalities in living conditions, healthcare access, and development. The global average of 73.3 years represents steady improvement from 52 years in 1960, demonstrating medical advances and development progress, though the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced life expectancy in many countries. Women typically outlive men by 5-7 years globally, with the gender gap largest in Eastern Europe and smallest in South Asia.

Migration and Net Migration 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division, National Statistics (October 2025)

International migration reshapes population dynamics beyond natural increase, with approximately 280 million people living outside their birth countries in 2025. The United States absorbs the most migrants globally with +1.23 million net annual migration, sustaining population growth despite below-replacement fertility (1.62). Remarkably, Ukraine records +1.7 million net migration in 2025, representing return migration as displaced persons come back following the 2022-2023 conflict, rather than typical immigration. Canada (+326,000), Australia (+137,000), and the UK (+390,000) maintain robust immigration programs targeting skilled workers and family reunification.

Gulf states like the UAE (+159,000) and Qatar (+36,000) import massive numbers relative to population size, with foreign workers comprising 80-90% of some nations’ populations. On the emigration side, Pakistan loses 1.24 million people annually to migration, primarily to Gulf states, UK, and North America, representing brain drain of educated professionals. India (-496,000), Bangladesh (-402,000), and Nepal (-365,000) send large numbers abroad, generating remittance income but losing human capital. Germany (-334,000), Poland (-331,000), and Russia (-252,000) experience net emigration despite developed status, reflecting economic opportunities elsewhere, aging populations, or political factors. Migration patterns increasingly follow economic opportunity, family networks, and refugee movements, creating complex demographic interdependencies between nations.

Population Density and Land Area 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division, Worldometer (October 2025)

Land area and population density reveal misleading patterns when considering habitable and productive land. Russia’s vast 16.4 million km² makes it the world’s largest country, but much consists of frozen tundra, boreal forest, and Siberian wilderness where agriculture and settlement prove difficult. Its density of 9 people per km² understates concentration in European Russia where most of the 144 million population clusters. Similarly, Canada’s 4 people per km² masks the fact that 90% of Canadians live within 200 km of the US border, with vast northern territories nearly uninhabited.

China’s 151 people per km² seems moderate until recognizing that mountains, deserts, and plateaus cover 60-70% of the country, concentrating 1.4 billion people in coastal plains and river valleys where effective density exceeds 500 people per km². India’s 492 people per km² represents tremendous pressure on a 3 million km² area, though the Indo-Gangetic plains support even higher densities. Egypt illustrates the extreme—99% of its 118 million people inhabit just 4% of the country along the Nile Valley and Delta, creating effective densities exceeding 1,500 per km² in habitable zones. Understanding effective population density on usable land provides more meaningful insights than crude density calculations.

Countries Approaching 100 Million in 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division, Worldometer (October 2025)

Several nations have recently crossed or will soon cross the 100 million population threshold, joining the exclusive club of mega-population countries. Vietnam surpassed 100 million in 2024 at 101.6 million, becoming the 15th country to reach this milestone, though its 0.6% growth rate suggests slowing expansion. Egypt exceeded 100 million around 2020 and now stands at 118.4 million with robust 1.57% growth continuing to strain the Nile Valley’s limited arable land. The Philippines crossed 100 million in 2021 and reaches 116.8 million in 2025 with moderate 0.81% growth despite limited land area.

Ethiopia achieved 100 million around 2019 and has surged to 135.5 million through very high 2.58% growth, making it Africa’s second most populous nation after Nigeria. The Democratic Republic of Congo reached the milestone in 2022 and now hosts 112.8 million while growing at an extraordinary 3.25% annually—the fastest rate among large nations. Looking ahead, Turkey (87.7 million) and Iran (92.4 million) will likely cross 100 million between 2027-2030 based on current trajectories. Interestingly, Germany sits at 84 million but is declining at -0.56% annually, meaning it will never reach 100 million and instead shrink back toward 75-80 million by mid-century without dramatic policy changes or immigration surges.

Youth and Aging Populations 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division World Population Prospects 2024 (October 2025)

Age structure profoundly shapes economic and social dynamics, and 2025 data reveals dramatic global variations. Worldwide, approximately 2 billion people (25%) are under age 15, 5.5 billion (66%) are working-age 15-64, and 760 million (9%) exceed age 65. However, these averages mask enormous regional differences. Africa’s population is 40% under 15 and only 3% elderly, creating massive youth dependency where working-age populations must support large numbers of children requiring education, healthcare, and eventually employment. Niger exemplifies the extreme with 50% under 15—literally half the country consists of children.

Europe presents the opposite challenge with only 14% under 15 but 20% over 65, creating old-age dependency where shrinking working populations must support growing numbers of retirees. Japan leads globally with approximately 30% of its population aged 65+, resulting in more adult diapers sold than baby diapers and labor shortages requiring automation and immigration. This creates a dependency ratio crisis—Japan has roughly two working-age people for every retiree, compared to three globally and six in young African nations. The demographic dividend occurs when nations have large working-age populations relative to dependents, as East Asia experienced 1970-2000. Africa and South Asia could capture this dividend 2025-2050 if they create sufficient jobs for youth bulges, while Europe and East Asia face demographic headwinds from aging.

Regional Population Growth Patterns 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division Medium Variant Projections (2024)

Regional population trajectories through 2050 reveal where humanity’s growth will occur. Sub-Saharan Africa will add approximately 900 million people between 2025-2050, more than all other regions combined. This represents 66% of global population growth over the next quarter-century, driven by sustained high fertility and extremely young age structures where a massive cohort will enter reproductive years. Nigeria alone could add 150-200 million people, potentially becoming the third most populous nation globally by mid-century.

South Asia will add 400 million people, but this growth concentrates in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan while India’s growth moderates significantly as it completes its demographic transition. East Asia faces unprecedented decline with China losing potentially 100+ million people by 2050 as ultra-low fertility and rapid aging accelerate. Europe will shrink by 35 million despite immigration, while North America grows by 85 million almost entirely through immigration to the United States and Canada. These divergent patterns will fundamentally reshape global economic power, geopolitical influence, and resource demands, with Africa’s share of world population rising from 18% in 2025 to potentially 25% by 2050 and 40% by 2100 under current projections.

Countries with Declining Populations 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division, Worldometer (October 2025)

Population decline has become a defining demographic trend for many developed and middle-income nations in 2025. Twenty-three countries worldwide now experience negative population growth, with the trend accelerating as fertility rates plunge below replacement levels and populations age rapidly. China’s annual loss of 3.2 million people represents the largest absolute decline globally, a dramatic reversal for a nation that added hundreds of millions during previous decades. With a fertility rate of just 1.02 children per woman—less than half the replacement level of 2.1—and a median age of 40.1 years, China faces profound economic and social challenges including pension sustainability, healthcare costs, and labor force shrinkage.

European nations feature prominently among declining populations, with Russia losing 823,000 annually, Japan declining by 649,500, and Germany shrinking by 477,000 people each year. Greece experiences the steepest proportional decline at -1.08%, followed by Czech Republic (-1.18%) and Poland (-1.03%). These nations face a perfect storm of ultra-low fertility, population aging, and often emigration. South Korea’s fertility rate of 0.75 children per woman represents the world’s lowest, while Taiwan (0.86) and Italy (1.21) also struggle with birth rates far below replacement. The economic implications are staggering—shrinking working-age populations must support growing numbers of retirees, straining pension systems and social services. Japan’s median age of 49.8 years makes it the world’s oldest society, with more deaths than births annually despite immigration adding modest numbers.

Fastest Growing Populations 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division, Worldometer (October 2025)

Sub-Saharan Africa dominates global population growth in 2025, with 11 of the 12 fastest-growing countries located on the continent. Niger leads with a 3.28% annual growth rate, meaning its population doubles every 21.2 years at current trends. With a fertility rate of 5.79 children per woman and a median age of just 15.6 years, Niger exemplifies the demographic boom occurring across the Sahel region. The Democratic Republic of Congo grows by 3.25% annually, adding an astounding 3.6 million people per year—equivalent to creating a new city larger than Rome annually. At this pace, the DRC’s population of 112.8 million will double to over 225 million by 2046.

Chad, Somalia, and the Central African Republic all exceed 3.4% annual growth, driven by fertility rates between 5-6 children per woman and extremely young populations with median ages under 18 years. Angola adds 1.15 million people annually despite ongoing development challenges, while Nigeria’s 2.08% growth translates to nearly 5 million additional Nigerians each year. Yemen’s 2.93% growth occurs despite ongoing conflict, highlighting how high fertility and young populations sustain expansion even amid adversity. Interestingly, Mayotte, a French territory, posts 3.22% growth as the only non-African entry in the top growth rates. These rapid growth rates strain resources, infrastructure, and services, creating challenges for education, healthcare, employment, and environmental sustainability in regions that already face significant development obstacles.

Population Density by Country 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division, Worldometer (October 2025)

Population density varies astronomically across nations, from Monaco’s extraordinary 25,732 people per square kilometer to Greenland’s sparse 0.14 people per km²—a difference of over 180,000-fold. Monaco’s extreme density reflects its status as a tiny 1 km² microstate functioning essentially as an ultra-luxury city, while Singapore’s 8,387 people per km² makes it the densest significant nation, packing 5.9 million residents onto a 700 km² island. These city-states achieve density through vertical construction, land reclamation, and intensive development, creating some of the world’s most expensive real estate markets.

Among larger nations, Bangladesh stands out with 1,350 people per km², making it by far the densest country exceeding 100 million population. 175.7 million Bangladeshis inhabit an area smaller than Wisconsin, creating immense pressure on land, water, and resources in a nation highly vulnerable to climate change and flooding. South Korea (531 people/km²), Netherlands (544), and Taiwan (653) demonstrate how advanced economies can sustain high density through sophisticated infrastructure and intensive agriculture. At the opposite extreme, Mongolia’s 2 people per km² reflects its vast grasslands and deserts, while Australia (4) and Canada (4) show how large, resource-rich nations with inhospitable climates support relatively small populations. Population density profoundly affects development patterns, resource consumption, environmental impacts, and quality of life in ways that raw population numbers alone cannot capture.

Population by Continent 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division World Population Prospects 2024 (October 2025)

Asia remains the dominant continent in population terms, hosting approximately 4.8 billion people or 58% of humanity in 2025. This overwhelming concentration reflects massive populations in India (1.46 billion), China (1.42 billion), Indonesia (286 million), Pakistan (255 million), and Bangladesh (176 million). However, Asia’s growth rate of 0.7% marks significant slowing from historical highs as fertility rates decline across the continent. East Asia including China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan now experiences negative or near-zero growth, while South and Southeast Asia maintain modest expansion.

Africa’s 1.5 billion residents make it the second most populous continent, but more importantly, its 2.3% annual growth rate is nearly quadruple the global average and will drive most future population growth. Africa’s median age below 20 years and fertility rates averaging 4.3 children per woman in Sub-Saharan regions ensure continued rapid expansion. The UN projects Africa will reach 2.5 billion by 2050, potentially overtaking Asia’s growth. Europe’s 745 million people represent just 9% of global population, and the continent is experiencing slight decline (-0.1%) as ultra-low fertility and aging populations create demographic challenges. North America (595 million) and South America (440 million) show moderate growth driven primarily by Latin American nations, while Oceania’s 47 million makes it the smallest but steadily growing region anchored by Australia (27 million) and New Zealand (5.3 million).

Median Age by Country 2025

Data Source: UN Population Division, Worldometer (October 2025)

Median age reveals the starkest demographic divide between developed and developing nations. Niger’s median age of 15.6 years means half the population is younger than 16—essentially a nation of children and teenagers. Sub-Saharan African countries dominate the youngest nations, with Uganda (16.9), Chad (15.8), DR Congo (15.8), Somalia (15.6), and Mali (15.7) all posting median ages below 17 years. These extraordinarily young populations create massive needs for education, jobs, and social services while simultaneously providing a potential demographic dividend if youth can be productively employed.

At the opposite extreme, Japan’s median age of 49.8 years makes it the world’s oldest major nation, where half the population exceeds 50 years old. Europe monopolizes the oldest countries list, with Italy (48.2), Portugal (46.9), Greece (46.8), Germany (45.5), and Finland (43.2) all facing aging-related challenges including pension sustainability, healthcare costs, and workforce shortages. The global median age of approximately 30 years masks this tremendous variation—Africa’s median sits near 19, Asia around 32, Europe near 43, and North America approximately 38. This age structure profoundly shapes economic development, with young populations needing investment in education and job creation, while old populations require healthcare, pensions, and elderly care infrastructure.

Fertility Rates by Country 2025

*Data Source: UN Population Division World Population Prospects

Fertility rates determine long-term population trajectories, and the 2025 data reveals a world split between ultra-high and ultra-low fertility nations. Niger’s 5.79 children per woman leads globally, followed closely by Chad (5.94), Somalia (5.91), and DR Congo (5.9), all well above the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman needed to maintain stable populations. These extraordinarily high fertility rates occur in nations with low contraceptive use, limited female education, early marriage, and rural populations where large families remain economically rational. Eleven countries still exceed 5 children per woman, all located in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

At the opposite extreme, South Korea’s 0.75 children per woman represents the world’s lowest fertility rate—barely one-third of replacement level. Hong Kong (0.73), Taiwan (0.86), Singapore (0.96), and Puerto Rico (0.94) also fall below 1.0, indicating populations that would shrink by more than half each generation without immigration. China’s 1.02 fertility rate is particularly alarming given its 1.4 billion population, as this ensures accelerating population decline for the world’s second-most populous nation. Much of Europe including Italy (1.21), Spain (1.23), and Japan (1.23) hovers well below replacement, creating aging crises with too few young workers to support growing elderly populations. The global average of 2.3 children per woman sits just above replacement, but this masks the divergence between high-fertility developing nations and ultra-low fertility developed countries.

The demographic landscape of the mid-21st century will look remarkably different from 2025, shaped by the interplay of declining fertility, population aging, urbanization, and migration. Global population will likely peak between 10-11 billion around 2080-2090 before potentially beginning a gradual decline, marking a historic inflection point after millennia of growth. The geographic center of population growth will solidify in Africa, where eight of the ten fastest-growing large nations are located and where population could quadruple to 4+ billion by century’s end if current fertility persists. This creates enormous opportunities for economic development and demographic dividends if African nations can generate education, infrastructure, and employment for youth bulges, but also risks of instability, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation if development falters.

Meanwhile, Europe, East Asia, and parts of Latin America face population decline and accelerated aging that will stress pension systems, healthcare, labor forces, and economic growth. Fifty countries could see declining populations by 2050, including economic powerhouses like Germany, Japan, South Korea, Italy, and Spain. The dependency ratio in these aging societies—the number of retirees relative to workers—will deteriorate dramatically, forcing difficult choices between raising retirement ages, cutting benefits, increasing immigration, boosting productivity through automation, or accepting economic stagnation. China’s potential loss of 100-300 million working-age adults by mid-century while its elderly population doubles represents one of history’s most dramatic demographic transitions with profound global economic implications.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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