Deep dive into the world's most populated countries and continents in 2024
The global population is well over the 8 billion mark in 2024, with projections suggesting close to a 2 billion growth in population by 2050.
According to the United Nations' World Population Prospects 2022 report, the world’s population will reach around 9.7 billion people by 2050 and is expected to peak at around 10.4 billion in the 2080s before a decline begins around 2100.
The world's population as of April 20, 2024, stands at 8,005,176,000, according to the World Population Review.
Most populated countries in the world
India, with a population of over 1.43 billion and China with a population of over 1.42 remain the only countries with over a billion people. The United States is the third most populated nation in the world with over 341 million people.
In Africa, Nigeria remains the most populated nation with over 228 million residents. Other countries in the top ten include Indonesia (over 270 million), Pakistan (over 244 million), Brazil (over 217 million), Bangladesh (over 174 million), Russia (over 144 million), and Ethiopia (over 129 million).
Population by continent
Asia remains the most populated continent, home to 61.56% of the global population, followed by Africa with 18.68%. Meanwhile, Europe (9.26%) North America (7.6%), South America (5.53%), and Oceania (0.58%) collectively account for the remaining portion.
The majority of the countries in the world have populations of fewer than 100 million people. Vatican City holds the record for the smallest population and total area, with just over 500 residents, according to the World Population Review.
