Full list: Top 20 most populous countries in 2025
By : ‘Sola Richards
India is the world’s most populous country in 2025, with an estimated population of 1.46 billion, overtaking China, which now holds 1.42 billion people. This is according to recent demographic projections released by Statista.
The United States remains in third place globally with a population of 346 million.
Nigeria ranks sixth in the world and first in Africa, with a population of approximately 235 million people. Other African nations in the global top 20 include Ethiopia (133 million), Egypt (123 million), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (111 million).
Asia continues to dominate the list, with major contributors including Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Latin America is represented by Brazil and Mexico, while Russia, Germany, and Turkey remain Europe’s most populous countries.
The data reflects ongoing demographic shifts, characterised by rapid urbanisation and significant population growth in countries with large youth bases, pointing to potential shifts in global economic and political influence.
(Population in millions)
1. India: 1,457.44
2. China: 1,417.73
3. United States: 346.37
4. Indonesia: 284.62
5. Pakistan: 274.07
6. Nigeria: 235.09
7. Brazil: 212.42
8. Bangladesh: 174.62
9. Russia: 144.43
10. Ethiopia: 133.76
11. Mexico: 131.41
12. Japan: 123.43
13. Philippines: 117.5
14. Congo, Dem. Rep: 116.31
15. Vietnam: 111.04
16. Egypt: 101.3
17. Iran: 92.02
18. Turkey: 87.58
19. Germany: 84.41
20. Thailand: 71.65
GUARDIAN Newspapers.