Top 10 Countries by Population
These estimates are based on 2024 projections. The populations are approximate and can vary with new data.
Here is a more detailed overview of the top 10 most populous countries:
1. China
- Population: ~1.42 billion
- Capital: Beijing
- Official Language: Mandarin
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Key Facts: China is the most populous country in the world. It has a diverse culture with a long history dating back thousands of years. The country is known for its rapid economic growth and is the second-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP.
2. India
- Population: ~1.42 billion
- Capital: New Delhi
- Official Languages: Hindi, English (widely spoken)
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- Key Facts: India is the second-most populous country and is projected to surpass China soon. It has a rich cultural heritage, with significant contributions to arts, science, and technology. India is also one of the fastest-growing economies globally.
3. United States
- Population: ~339 million
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Official Language: None at the federal level, but English is the de facto language.
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Key Facts: The United States is the third-most populous country and the world's largest economy by nominal GDP. It is known for its diverse population, technological innovation, and global influence in culture, politics, and economics.
4. Indonesia
- Population: ~278 million
- Capital: Jakarta
- Official Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Key Facts: Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia and the world's largest archipelago, consisting of over 17,000 islands. It has the largest Muslim population in the world.
5. Pakistan
- Population: ~247 million
- Capital: Islamabad
- Official Languages: Urdu (national), English (government)
- Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
- Key Facts: Pakistan is the fifth-most populous country. It has a rich history and is known for its strategic location in South Asia. Pakistan's economy is mixed, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services playing significant roles.
6. Nigeria
- Population: ~227 million
- Capital: Abuja
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
- Key Facts: Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. It is a major oil producer and has a diverse culture with over 250 ethnic groups. The country is known for its vibrant entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood.
7. Brazil
- Population: ~218 million
- Capital: Brasília
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Key Facts: Brazil is the largest country in South America by both area and population. It has a diverse ecosystem, including the Amazon rainforest. Brazil is also known for its strong cultural influence, particularly in music and dance, like samba and bossa nova.
8. Bangladesh
- Population: ~176 million
- Capital: Dhaka
- Official Language: Bengali (Bangla)
- Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
- Key Facts: Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Despite its small size, it has a rapidly growing economy, particularly in the textile and garment industry, making it one of the world's leading textile exporters.
9. Russia
- Population: ~145 million
- Capital: Moscow
- Official Language: Russian
- Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
- Key Facts: Russia is the largest country in the world by land area. It spans Europe and Asia, with a diverse population and rich cultural heritage. Russia is a major global player in energy, particularly in oil and gas production.
10. Mexico
- Population: ~133 million
- Capital: Mexico City
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Key Facts: Mexico is the third-most populous country in the Americas. It has a rich cultural history, with ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. Mexico is known for its diverse landscapes, from deserts to jungles, and its influential cuisine and traditions.
These details provide a snapshot of the largest countries by population and their significance globally.
Here’s a table ranking the top 10 countries by population:
These estimates are based on 2024 projections. The populations are approximate and can vary with new data.