Top 30 Most Populous Countries in the World, 2024 (in Millions)

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Source: World Meters
Publication Date: 2024
Region: Worldwide
Survey time period: November 2024

Analysis of the Top 30 Countries by Population (2024)

The global population is highly concentrated in a relatively small number of countries, with the top 30 nations accounting for the majority of the world’s inhabitants. Below is an analysis of the Top 30 Most Populous Countries based on their estimated population in 2024:

1. China (1.42 Billion)

• Rank: 1st
• Population: 1,419 million
• China remains the most populous country in the world, but its population growth rate has slowed down significantly due to government policies and demographic shifts such as aging populations and a decreasing birth rate. Despite this, its sheer size continues to dominate the global population landscape.

2. India (1.45 Billion)

• Rank: 2nd
• Population: 1,451 million
• India is set to surpass China as the world’s most populous country in the coming years. With a youthful population and a rapidly growing economy, India presents both opportunities and challenges, including the need for infrastructure expansion, education, and healthcare.

3. United States (345 Million)

• Rank: 3rd
• Population: 345 million
• The U.S. holds a significant share of the world’s population, driven by immigration and a relatively high birth rate compared to many developed nations. The country has also seen shifts in its demographics with an increasingly diverse population.

4. Indonesia (283 Million)

• Rank: 4th
• Population: 283 million
• Indonesia’s population growth has been steady, with the country being the largest in Southeast Asia. Indonesia faces challenges of urbanization, while economic growth continues to be driven by its large, young workforce.

5. Pakistan (251 Million)

• Rank: 5th
• Population: 251 million
• Pakistan’s population has been growing rapidly due to a high fertility rate. However, the country faces issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare that are linked to its large population base.

6. Nigeria (233 Million)

• Rank: 6th
• Population: 233 million
• Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. Its youthful population presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of education, employment, and healthcare infrastructure. Rapid urbanization and economic growth are expected to continue.

7. Brazil (212 Million)

• Rank: 7th
• Population: 212 million
• Brazil, the largest country in South America, has experienced steady population growth, though at a slower pace in recent years. Social and economic inequalities persist despite advancements in healthcare and education.

8. Bangladesh (174 Million)

• Rank: 8th
• Population: 174 million
• Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. While it has made significant strides in improving life expectancy and reducing poverty, the country still faces challenges related to overcrowding, natural disasters, and poverty.

9. Russia (145 Million)

• Rank: 9th
• Population: 145 million
• Russia’s population has been in decline due to low birth rates, high death rates, and emigration. However, the country remains one of the largest by land area and continues to face demographic challenges, such as an aging population and declining workforce.

10. Mexico (132 Million)

• Rank: 10th
• Population: 132 million
• Mexico has seen steady population growth with a youthful demographic. The country faces significant urbanization and economic inequality, though it has made strides in improving healthcare and reducing poverty.

11. Japan (126 Million)

• Rank: 11th
• Population: 126 million
• Japan’s population is shrinking due to low birth rates and an aging population. This demographic shift presents challenges to its economy, healthcare system, and labor force.

12. Ethiopia (123 Million)

• Rank: 12th
• Population: 123 million
• Ethiopia has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, driven by a youthful population. Economic growth has been strong, but the country faces challenges in providing infrastructure and services to its growing population.

13. Philippines (114 Million)

• Rank: 13th
• Population: 114 million
• The Philippines has a rapidly growing population with a significant percentage of youth. The country continues to face challenges related to poverty, infrastructure, and education but benefits from a strong remittance-driven economy.

14. Egypt (112 Million)

• Rank: 14th
• Population: 112 million
• Egypt’s population growth has been rapid, which poses challenges for the country in terms of food security, water resources, and job creation, especially for its large, young population.

15. Vietnam (99 Million)

• Rank: 15th
• Population: 99 million
• Vietnam has a youthful population with a growing economy, particularly in manufacturing and exports. However, the country faces the challenge of providing jobs and services to its expanding population.

16. Democratic Republic of Congo (98 Million)

• Rank: 16th
• Population: 98 million
• DR Congo is one of the fastest-growing populations in Africa. Despite its natural resource wealth, the country struggles with poverty, political instability, and a lack of infrastructure.

17. Turkey (88 Million)

• Rank: 17th
• Population: 88 million
• Turkey’s population is still growing, but at a slower rate. The country faces challenges in integrating its diverse populations and managing its political and economic transition.

18. Iran (85 Million)

• Rank: 18th
• Population: 85 million
• Iran’s population is expected to grow more slowly in the coming decades due to declining birth rates. The country is undergoing significant political, social, and economic changes that may affect its demographic trajectory.

19. Germany (84 Million)

• Rank: 19th
• Population: 84 million
• Germany has a relatively stable population but faces challenges due to an aging demographic. Immigration has played a role in boosting the population, but the country must address issues related to workforce shortages.

20. Thailand (83 Million)

• Rank: 20th
• Population: 83 million
• Thailand’s population is aging, with fertility rates well below replacement levels. The country is focusing on maintaining economic growth despite its demographic shifts.

21. United Kingdom (78 Million)

• Rank: 21st
• Population: 78 million
• The UK has a moderate population growth rate, with immigration playing a key role. Challenges include balancing population growth with economic stability and social cohesion.

22. France (67 Million)

• Rank: 22nd
• Population: 67 million
• France has a relatively high birth rate compared to many other European countries, which is helping to maintain its population. Immigration also plays a significant role in its demographic landscape.

23. Italy (60 Million)

• Rank: 23rd
• Population: 60 million
• Italy is facing a significant population decline due to low birth rates and an aging population. The country is dealing with economic challenges tied to these demographic shifts.

24. South Africa (59 Million)

• Rank: 24th
• Population: 59 million
• South Africa has a youthful population, but it faces high unemployment, poverty, and inequality. These issues must be addressed for sustainable growth.

25. Tanzania (58 Million)

• Rank: 25th
• Population: 58 million
• Tanzania’s population is growing rapidly, with a focus on improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education to meet the needs of its expanding population.

26. Myanmar (56 Million)

• Rank: 26th
• Population: 56 million
• Myanmar faces a young and growing population, but political instability and ethnic conflicts have hampered its ability to provide basic services to all citizens.

27. South Korea (52 Million)

• Rank: 27th
• Population: 52 million
• South Korea has a declining birth rate, leading to an aging population. The country faces challenges in maintaining its workforce and supporting its elderly population.

28. Colombia (51 Million)

• Rank: 28th
• Population: 51 million
• Colombia’s population growth has slowed, but the country continues to face challenges with urbanization, inequality, and access to healthcare.

29. Kenya (50 Million)

• Rank: 29th
• Population: 50 million
• Kenya’s population is growing rapidly, with many young people entering the workforce. The country is focused on improving infrastructure and reducing poverty.

30. Argentina (46 Million)

• Rank: 30th
• Population: 46 million
• Argentina’s population growth has slowed, and it faces economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, which impact its population’s quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Youthful Populations: Many of the most populous countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, have large, youthful populations. This presents both opportunities for economic growth and challenges in terms of providing education, healthcare, and employment.
• Aging Populations in Developed Nations: Several developed nations, such as Japan, Germany, and Italy, are experiencing population aging, leading to challenges in maintaining economic stability and providing adequate support for elderly populations.
• Urbanization: Rapid urbanization is occurring in many of the top populous countries, driving demand for infrastructure, housing, and services.
• Declining Growth Rates: While some countries, like China, are seeing slowdowns in population growth, others, such as India and Nigeria, are witnessing significant increases.