Discover the 10 Most Populated Countries in the World

According to the United Nations, the world’s population has exceeded 8 billion. People are spread across seven continents and 195 countries. This begs the question – which country has the most people? Below are the 10 most populated countries in the world.

10. Mexico – 132,311,152

Mexico is the 10^th most populated country worldwide and the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. The North American country is not large-sized compared to Canada and the United States, but it is relatively populated. According to reports, the population of Mexico is 132,311,152 in the country’s 32 states.

The most populated city in Mexico is Mexico City, with more than nine million people. Though immigration into the country of Mexico boomed in the early 1900s and 2000s, it has reduced greatly in recent years.

9. Russia – 146,086,438

Russia is the world’s largest country, a transcontinental country in Eurasia, occupying Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. According to reports, the population of Russia as of December 9^th, 2022, is 146,086,438, making it the ninth most populated country worldwide. This is due to the country’s diverse landscape, including polar deserts, forest tundra, and deserts.

The most populated city in Russia is Moscow, which has about 13 million people. It is also the most populated city in Europe and the largest.  

8. Bangladesh – 171,969,912

Bangladesh is a southern country in Asia. According to reports, the population of Bangladesh is 171,969,912, which is about 2.15% of the world’s population. The country’s high population growth is believed to be due to the low use of contraception, high fertility rates, and low death rates.

Bangladesh is arguably the most densely populated country worldwide, with almost 3,000 people per square mile. According to reports, the largest city in Bangladesh is Dhaka, with nine million people.

7. Brazil – 215,744,356

Brazil is the biggest country by landmass in South America and, unsurprisingly, the most populated. It shares a land border with every South American country except Ecuador and Chile. According to reports, Brazil has a population of about 215,744,356 people, about 2.70% of the world’s population in 2022.

The most populated city in Brazil is Sao Paulo, with a population of about 22 million, about a tenth of the country’s population. Rio de Janeiro, which is the second most populated city, has almost seven million people.

6. Nigeria – 219,000,000

Nigeria is the highest populated country in Africa and the sixth in the world. The West African country is located in the Gulf of Guinea. The country has a landmass of about 356,669 square miles, making it one of the largest countries in Africa. According to reports, there are over 219 million people in the country.

Lagos is the most populated state in the country and the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. The state is home to over 15 million people because of its economic advancement. The second most populated is Kano, which has over four million inhabitants.

5. Pakistan – 237,853,616

According to reports, Pakistan is the 33^rd largest country in the world by landmass and is the fifth most populated worldwide, with 237,853,616 people. The South Asian country spans a surface area of about 340508 square miles and is bordered by four countries, including China.

The most populated city in Pakistan is Karachi, with over 11 million people. A major reason for the large population in the country has to do with the high birth rate. The birth rate in the country is more than quadruple the death rate.

4. Indonesia – 276,281,585

Indonesia is an island country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, which consists of over 17,000 islands. According to a review, the population of Indonesia is 276,281,585, and it hosts the world’s largest Muslim population.

The largest city in Indonesia, Jakarta, is the most populous city in the country with over 11 million people. The city is known for its mix of cultures which includes Chinese, Arabian, European, etc.

3. The United States of America – 333,331,970

The United States is the second largest country in North America, measuring almost two-thirds of the African continent. The country is made up of 50 states, including the Hawaii Islands. According to the Census Bureau, the United States population as of the 8^th of December, 2022, is 333,331,970.   

The United States is a popular vacation hotspot that draws millions of tourists yearly. According to reports, a reason for the high population in the United States is the high frequency of annual immigration and high fertility rates. The most populated city is New York, which has more than eight million people.    

2. India – 1.4 billion

India is the second most populated country worldwide, with over 1.4 billion people, about 18% of the world’s population. The South Asian country spans an incredibly large landmass of 1,269,219 square miles and shares land borders with six countries.

Mumbai is the most populated city in India, with about 20 million people, making it the fourth most populated city in Asia.

1. China – 1,425,853,794

China is the most populated country worldwide, with about 1,425,853,794, barely higher than India, according to reports. It is also the fourth largest country by landmass, sharing borders with 14 countries.  

The most populated city in Asia is Shanghai, which has a population of over 22 million, similar to Sao Paulo in Brazil. According to reports, there are about four more cities in the country with over 10 million people, including Beijing and Shenzhen. Recently, the country’s government sought to limit birth rates before it was stopped in 2016.

Summary of the 10 Most Populated Countries in the World

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