Country

Population (2025)

Notes

India

1,463,865,525

India climbed to the top of the list, edging past China. Its population grew by roughly 12.86 million people from the previous year.

China

1,416,096,094

China’s population declined slightly, shrinking by about 3.28 million people. Factors include an ageing society and a low birth rate.

United States

347,275,808

The U.S. remains the third‑most populous nation, growing by 1.8 million people. Immigration and a relatively high fertility rate compared with other rich countries contribute to its growth.

Indonesia

285,721,236

Southeast Asia’s largest nation added 2.20 million people, keeping it in fourth place.

Pakistan

255,219,554

Pakistan’s population surged by 4.03 million, reflecting high fertility and a youthful demographic profile.

Nigeria

237,527,782

Africa’s most populous nation grew by nearly 4.88 million people, underscoring projections that it could overtake the U.S. later this century.

Brazil

212,812,405

Brazil added about 779,000 people. Population growth there has slowed as fertility rates fall.

Bangladesh

175,686,900

Bangladesh’s population increased by 2.14 million, continuing its rapid urbanisation.

Russia

143,997,393

Russia saw a population decline of around 876,000 people due to low birth rates and emigration.

Ethiopia

135,472,051

Ethiopia’s population rose by 3.41 million, the fastest growth among the top ten.

Subscribe to our newsletter

The world’s 10 most populous countries in 2025