List of Top Ten Most Populated Countries in the World in 2024

This list includes both countries and dependent territories. Data based on the latest United Nations Population Division estimates.

Understanding global population dynamics is crucial for addressing the myriad challenges and opportunities facing our world today. 

As of 2024, the United Nations Population Division provides insightful data on population distribution across countries and dependent territories. 

Here is a detailed look at the top ten most populated countries in the world.

1. India

India stands as the most populated country in 2024, with a population of 1,428,627,663. 

The country has seen a yearly change of 0.81%, adding 11,454,490 people. 

With a population density of 481 people per square kilometer and a land area of 2,973,190 square kilometers, India is one of the most densely populated countries. 

Despite a negative net migration rate of -486,136, India's fertility rate is 2.0, and the median age is 28 years. 

Urbanization stands at 36%, with India's population making up 17.76% of the world's total.

2. China

China follows closely with a population of 1,425,671,352. 

However, it has experienced a slight decline in population by -0.02%, a net decrease of 215,985 people. 

With a land area of 9,388,211 square kilometers and a density of 152 people per square kilometer, China maintains a significant population spread. 

The country sees a net migration of -310,220, a fertility rate of 1.2, and a median age of 39 years. 

Urban population stands at 65%, accounting for 17.72% of the global population.

3. United States

The United States ranks third, with a population of 339,996,563, growing by 0.50% annually, adding 1,706,706 people. 

The country's density is 37 people per square kilometer over a land area of 9,147,420 square kilometers. 

The US benefits from a positive net migration of 999,700 and has a fertility rate of 1.7. With a median age of 38 years, 83% of the population resides in urban areas, making up 4.23% of the world's population.

4. Indonesia

Indonesia's population is 277,534,122, increasing by 0.74% yearly, with a net change of 2,032,783 people. 

It has a density of 153 people per square kilometer across 1,811,570 square kilometers of land. 

Despite a negative net migration of -49,997, Indonesia has a fertility rate of 2.1 and a median age of 30 years. 

Urbanization is at 59%, with the country contributing 3.45% to the global population.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan's population stands at 240,485,658, growing at a rate of 1.98%, which adds 4,660,796 people yearly. 

With a density of 312 people per square kilometer and a land area of 770,880 square kilometers, it is one of the densely populated countries. 

The country faces a negative net migration of -165,988 but has a high fertility rate of 3.3 and a young median age of 21 years. 

Urbanization is at 35%, accounting for 2.99% of the world's population.

6. Nigeria

Nigeria's population is 223,804,632, with a significant annual growth rate of 2.41%, adding 5,263,420 people. 

It has a density of 246 people per square kilometer over a land area of 910,770 square kilometers. 

Despite a negative net migration of -59,996, Nigeria has a high fertility rate of 5.1 and a young median age of 17 years. 

The urban population stands at 54%, with Nigeria contributing 2.78% to the global population.

7. Brazil

Brazil's population is 216,422,446, growing by 0.52% annually, with a net change of 1,108,948 people. 

It has a density of 26 people per square kilometer across 8,358,140 square kilometers of land. 

Brazil enjoys a positive net migration of 6,000 and has a fertility rate of 1.6. 

The median age is 34 years, with an urbanization rate of 88%, contributing 2.69% to the world's population.

8. Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a population of 172,954,319, increasing by 1.03% annually, adding 1,767,947 people. 

It is the most densely populated country on this list, with 1,329 people per square kilometer over a land area of 130,170 square kilometers. 

Despite a negative net migration of -309,977, Bangladesh has a fertility rate of 1.9 and a median age of 27 years. 

Urbanization is at 41%, with Bangladesh making up 2.15% of the global population.

9. Russia

Russia's population stands at 144,444,359, experiencing a slight decline of -0.19%, resulting in a net decrease of 268,955 people. 

With a vast land area of 16,376,870 square kilometers, Russia has a low density of 9 people per square kilometer. 

The country sees a net migration of -136,414, a fertility rate of 1.5, and a median age of 39 years. Urbanization is at 75%, contributing 1.80% to the world's population.

10. Mexico

Mexico rounds out the top ten with a population of 128,455,567, growing by 0.75% annually, adding 951,442 people. 

It has a density of 66 people per square kilometer over a land area of 1,943,950 square kilometers.

Mexico faces a negative net migration of -50,239 but has a fertility rate of 1.8 and a median age of 30 years. 

The urban population is at 88%, with Mexico accounting for 1.60% of the global population.