10 Most Populated Countries in the World in 2024

The entire world is still being shaped by population dynamics, with a few nations dominating the planet in terms of sheer numbers. With more than a billion people living in each, China and India continue to be the most populous countries. However, there was a notable movement in the population as India overtook China as the most populated nation. The United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan, all of which have populations greater than 200 million, come next to these heavyweights.?

The most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria, is expected to rise in the next few years in the world rankings due to its tremendous economic expansion. Brazil, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Russia are also among the 10 nations with the largest populations. The distribution of the population has financial, social, and environmental ramifications in addition to being a question of numbers. Large-population nations have to reconcile sustainable expansion with rising living standards, among other special issues, such as supplying enough infrastructure, resources, and jobs. These conditions have a significant impact on how policies and global development are decided.

List of Most Populated Countries in the World?

1. India?
2. China
3. United States of America
4. Indonesia
5. Pakistan
6. Nigeria
7. Brazil
8. Bangladesh
9. Russia
10. Ethiopia

1. India?

India has surpassed China in terms of overall population, making it the most populated nation in the world as of 2024. India has a population of 1,450,935,791, making its demographics an important worldwide phenomenon. The nation’s population is growing as a result of high birth rates, falling death rates, and decades-long advancements in healthcare. India boasts a notably young population, with more than 65% of its people under 35. Opportunities for innovation, workforce development, and economic growth are presented by this demographic dividend. India’s world share in population is 17.78% in 2024.

There are also major drawbacks to the large population as well. India is under pressure to accommodate its expanding population with proper infrastructure, medical care, schools, and jobs. Megacities have grown as a result of rapid urbanization, placing pressure on resources including housing, water, and sanitary facilities. In contrast, problems with access to services and poverty are prevalent in rural communities.

To address population-related challenges, the Indian government has put in place a number of programs, with a particular emphasis on reproductive health, schooling, and financial stability. Despite these difficulties, India has a special place in world politics and economy due to the magnitude of its population. India’s vast demographic is both an advantage and a challenging problem to handle, serving as a center for both technical developments and the expansion of the middle class.

Also Read: Countries with Lowest Population

2. China

China, which was formerly the world’s most populated nation, is currently ranked second after India passed it in 2024. Despite a marked slowdown in population growth, China’s demographic landscape is still enormous and prominent, with 1,419,321,278 people. This change may be attributed in large part to the established “one-child policy” (planned out in 2016), which has resulted in a declining workforce and an aging population. The consequences of this demographic mismatch are becoming more noticeable as an aging population needs the assistance of fewer and fewer young individuals.

China has seen a tremendous urbanization trend, with more than 60% of people residing in cities. While this has fueled economic expansion, it has also brought out problems including social inequality, pollution, and a lack of affordable housing. Depopulation and aging populations have put a strain on resources and decreased labor availability in rural regions.

The Chinese government has implemented policies supporting bigger families and enhancing social welfare for older people in an effort to address these issues. Despite these problems, China is still a major player in the world economy thanks to its enormous population.?

3. United States of America

The United States has more than 345,426,571 citizens, making it the third most populated nation in the world as of 2024. The United States’ population rises slowly as a result of both natural increase and immigration, with immigration providing a crucial role in preserving demographic strength. This is in contrast to other countries with faster rates of population growth. The United States stands out among other sizable, industrialized nations for its capacity to draw immigrants, which enhances both its cultural variety and economic vibrancy.

The US population is dispersed unevenly, with sizable concentrations in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. While urbanization promotes economic growth, it also brings up problems including housing scarcity, traffic jams, and wealth disparity. The retiring baby boomer population is contributing to the aging of the nation’s population and straining social security and healthcare systems.

The United States has a sizable, productive labor force in addition to a younger population than other industrialized countries. Because of its wide talent pool, it still leads the world in innovation, technology, and education. In order for the United States to remain competitive internationally in the future, it will be imperative that it manage immigration, address social inequality, and get ready for the demands of an aging population.

Also Read: Most Populated States in the USA

4. Indonesia

Indonesia is home to 283,487,931 people, making it the fourth most populated nation in the world as of 2024. Despite having over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the biggest country in Southeast Asia. As such, its archipelagic geography has formed its demographic landscape, with Java being the most heavily inhabited island. Cities like Bandung, Surabaya, and Jakarta have seen rapid urbanization, which has accelerated their economic expansion but also brought with it problems with housing, infrastructure, and transportation.

The median age of Indonesians is about thirty years old, making them a comparatively young population. This young population offers a skilled labor force with room for innovation and economic growth, particularly as the nation develops its digital economy. But Indonesia’s expanding population presents hurdles when it comes to accessing quality healthcare, education, and jobs, especially in rural and isolated areas in which the rates of poverty are greater.

In order to sustain the nation’s expanding population, the government has been working on changes to enhance family planning, invest in infrastructure development, and improve public services. Indonesia is a major participant in the ASEAN area, and its sizable and diverse population presents both possibilities and difficulties, influencing its status as a rising economic force on the international scene.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan has 251,269,164 citizens, making it the fifth most populated nation in the world in 2024. Due to a very youthful population and strong birth rates, its population has increased significantly during the last several decades. Pakistan’s population is over 60% under 30, which offers chances and difficulties for the economic and social growth of the nation. If used wisely, this young population has the ability to contribute significantly to the workforce, imaginative thinking, and economic expansion.

Pakistan must, however, overcome formidable obstacles to control its population increase. The majority of the population lives in rural regions, where the majority of the country’s problems are concentrated. These problems include unemployment, poverty, and inadequate healthcare and education. Major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are under strain from the rapid urbanization that has strained their housing, transportation, and essential services supplies.

To solve these issues, the government has implemented family planning programs and economic reforms, but development has been sluggish. Development initiatives have also been hampered by political unrest and security issues. Pakistan’s strategic position, youthful population, and expanding sectors present opportunities for future development despite these challenges. This is especially true if the country’s large population continues to demand higher levels of investment in social services, infrastructure, and education.

Also Read: Beautiful Places In Pakistan

6. Nigeria

Nigeria has a population of 232,679,478, making it the most populated country in Africa and the sixth most populous country in the world in 2024. Due to strong pregnancy rates and a young population, the nation’s number has been expanding quickly. One of the youngest populations in the world is found in Nigeria, where over half of the population is under the age of 18. If the nation can properly invest in healthcare, education, and job creation, this demographic shift offers enormous prospects for economic development and innovation as well as a big work force.

The nation suffers from problems including poverty, unemployment, and poor infrastructure, particularly in metropolitan regions where urbanization is accelerating—such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Conversely, vital amenities like clean water, healthcare, and education are frequently inaccessible in rural places.

Nigeria’s abundance of natural resources, especially oil, makes it an economic powerhouse in Africa despite these difficulties. With an emphasis on industries like industry, technology, and agriculture, the government is attempting to diversify the economy. Nigeria’s sizable and young population may propel the nation’s rise to prominence in the world economy in the ensuing decades if it can resolve its social and infrastructure issues.

7. Brazil

Brazil will have more than 211,998,573 citizens in 2024, making it the most populated nation in South America and the seventh most populous worldwide. Urban regions, especially megacities like S?o Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília, are home to the bulk of the population. Brazil is going through demographic changes comparable to other affluent countries, such as an aging population, and its population growth has slowed recently owing to falling birth rates.

Brazil’s huge and diversified population is essential to the country’s economic and social environment, even in the midst of the current slump. Brazil is one of the biggest economies in Latin America, with abundant natural resources, a robust agricultural sector, and a developing industrial foundation. Social and economic inequities, however, continue to be major obstacles. Poverty still affects a large number of Brazilians, particularly in rural and underprivileged urban regions with poor access to infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

While success has been uneven, Brazil’s government has established social initiatives aiming at lowering poverty and enhancing healthcare and education. The nation’s healthcare and pension systems are under strain as a result of the country’s demographic trend toward an elderly population.?

Also Read: Landlocked Countries in South America

8. Bangladesh

Bangladesh ranks eighth in the world’s population in 2024 with a population of 173,562,364. Bangladesh has one of the greatest population densities in the world despite its comparatively small physical area. Although the majority of the population still lives in rural regions, the rate of urbanization is rising quickly, especially in centers like Dhaka and Chittagong. In addition to promoting economic growth, this urbanization has put strain on public services, housing, and infrastructure.

Owing to expenditures in healthcare, education, and family planning, Bangladesh has achieved notable progress in improving important socioeconomic indices, including life expectancy, reading and writing, and newborn mortality. The nation still has issues with poverty, environmental fragility, and access to high-quality healthcare, nevertheless. Particularly in rural regions where poverty is more concentrated, rapid population increase has put pressure on resources.

In spite of these obstacles, Bangladesh’s economy is among the most rapidly expanding in Asia because of its thriving agribusiness, remittances, and textile sector. Although the country’s youthful population presents growth potential, leveraging this demographic advantage would still need job creation and skill development. Bangladesh’s enormous population and need for sustainable development will be crucial to sustaining its gains as it continues to industrialize and urbanize.

9. Russia

Russia, the largest country in the world by landmass, has a population of about 144,820,423, making it the ninth most populated nation in the world in 2024. Russia has a low population density relative to its size, with most people living in metropolitan centers like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other major cities in the European portion of the nation. Due to emigration, high mortality, and low birth rates, Russia’s population has been stagnating and declining recently.

The aging of Russia’s population is one of its most urgent demographic issues. Although it is increasing, the nation’s birth rate is still below replacement, and high rates of smoking and drunkenness have traditionally contributed to poor health outcomes and shorter life expectancies. Although the Russian government has implemented measures to encourage more births, such as providing financial aid to families, stopping the country’s population drop has proven to be challenging.

There are notable economic differences between rural and urban regions; a large portion of the rural population lives in poverty and has very little access to services. On the other hand, Russia’s energy-dependent economy is driven by its large cities, which act as economic centers. Russia’s capacity for economic growth is limited by a declining labor force, and the government is concentrating on resolving these demographic issues to secure stability and future expansion.

10. Ethiopia

Ethiopia is the second most populated country in Africa and the 12th most populous nation worldwide in 2024, with 132,059,767 citizens. Having over 40% of its population under 15, the population of Ethiopia has been expanding quickly as a result of high birth rates and a young population. In addition to prospects for economic expansion, this youthful population poses difficulties for the provision of healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

Approximately 80% of Ethiopia’s population lives in rural, agricultural villages. On the other hand, urbanization is quickening, particularly in places like Addis Ababa, which is growing in importance as a political and economic center. While rural regions struggle with poverty, food security, and insufficient access to basic amenities, rapidly growing metropolitan areas are placing demand on public services, housing, and infrastructure.

Ethiopia has advanced economically despite these obstacles, thanks to advancements in manufacturing, infrastructure, and agriculture. The government has put measures into place to alleviate the problems caused by population expansion and diversify the economy. Nonetheless, progress is still impacted by dangers associated with climate change, political unrest, and regional disputes. Ethiopia’s sizable and youthful population has the potential to contribute to the nation’s economic expansion and increased regional clout if properly handled.

Conclusion

The most populous nations worldwide, such as China, Pakistan, Indonesia, the United States, and India, will be crucial in determining world events in future. Due to their large populations, these countries have particular possibilities as well as difficulties, such as the need for sustainable development, urbanization, and economic growth. While nations like China and Russia are struggling with aging populations and falling birth rates, others, like India and Nigeria, have young populations that provide opportunities for innovation and workforce development.?

In order for these nations to strike a balance between economic development and the welfare of their residents, managing population pressures will be essential, whether through infrastructure development, medical care, or education. These countries’ population patterns will keep influencing the political, economic, and environmental environments on a worldwide scale.