As of early 2026, the global population has officially surpassed 8.3 billion people. This milestone reflects a continuing, though slowing, growth trend driven primarily by high fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Below is a breakdown of the population counts for the world’s nations, categorized by the most populous and regional leaders.
The Global Top 10
In 2026, the "Big Two"—India and China—continue to account for more than 35% of all humans on Earth. India remains the most populous country, having overtaken China in 2023.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Population (2026) |
| 1 | India | 1,476,630,000 |
| 2 | China | 1,412,910,000 |
| 3 | United States | 349,035,000 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 287,887,000 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 259,300,000 |
| 6 | Nigeria | 242,432,000 |
| 7 | Brazil | 213,563,000 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 177,818,000 |
| 9 | Russia | 143,394,000 |
| 10 | Ethiopia | 138,902,000 |
Regional Population Leaders
While the top 10 capture the bulk of the numbers, regional dynamics show where the next century of growth will occur.
Africa
Africa is currently the fastest-growing continent. By 2050, it is projected that one in four people on Earth will be African.
Nigeria: 242.4 Million
Ethiopia: 138.9 Million
Egypt: 120.1 Million
DR Congo: 116.4 Million
Tanzania: 72.5 Million
Europe
Most European nations are experiencing stable or slightly declining populations, with growth often driven by migration rather than birth rates.
Germany: 83.6 Million
United Kingdom: 69.9 Million
France: 66.7 Million
Italy: 58.9 Million
Spain: 47.8 Million
The Americas
The United States remains the regional giant, but Latin American nations like Mexico and Brazil continue to be major demographic players.
Mexico: 132.9 Million
Colombia: 53.9 Million
Argentina: 46.0 Million
Canada: 40.4 Million
Peru: 34.9 Million
Asia & Oceania
Outside of the "Big Four" (India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan), several other Asian nations hold massive populations.
Japan: 122.4 Million (experiencing steady decline)
Philippines: 117.7 Million
Vietnam: 102.1 Million
Iran: 93.1 Million
Australia: 27.2 Million
Key Demographic Trends in 2026
Slowing Growth: While the total number is rising, the growth rate has dropped below 0.9% per year.
Aging Populations: In many developed nations and China, the "Median Age" is rising rapidly, leading to shrinking workforces.
Urbanization: For the first time, nearly 57% of the global population now lives in urban areas.
Fertility Shifts: The global average fertility rate is now approximately 2.3 births per woman, down from 5.0 in the 1960s.
Note: These figures are based on the latest 2024 UN World Population Prospects and current 2026 census bureau projections.
Would you like me to generate a more detailed list for a specific region or a breakdown of the least populated countries?
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