World geography · Updated September 2026
Most populous countries in the world
Most populous countries in 2026: India is first, China second, then the United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria and Brazil. Why the 2023 crossover still holds.
India overtook China as the world’s most populous country in 2023. UN World Population Prospects still show that order in 2026: India first, China second, both above 1.4 billion.
The United States is a distant third (about 340 million). Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria and Brazil fill the next places. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and is still growing faster than East Asia.
Population is not the same as power or wealth. A smaller country can have a larger economy (see GDP). A large country can have a falling birth rate — China’s population is now declining in most official series.
Most populous countries in the world — key facts (2026)
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| 1. India (2026) | About 1.45 billion |
| 2. China | About 1.42 billion and falling slowly |
| 3. United States | About 340 million |
| 4. Indonesia | About 280 million |
| 5–7 | Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil |
| Most populous in Africa | Nigeria |
| Most populous in Europe (transcontinental debate) | Russia; in the EU, Germany |
| World total | About 8.2 billion — see world population page |
Figures are the usual classroom and news-desk numbers for 2026. Border disputes and membership votes can change a count by one or two.
People also ask
Is India still more populous than China in 2026?
Yes. UN estimates keep India first. China remains second and is ageing faster.
Which African country has the most people?
Nigeria. Ethiopia and Egypt follow.
Will Africa’s share of world population rise?
Yes. UN projections show sub-Saharan Africa adding most of the world’s extra people this century if fertility stays higher than the global average.