By Okafor Joseph

The global population reached 8 billion in 2022, according to United Nations estimates, doubling from 3 billion in 1959 to 6 billion by 1999. Growth peaked in the late 1960s at an annual rate of 2.09% but is projected to slow to 0.85% in 2025, adding approximately 70 million people each year.

Projections indicate that the global population will reach 9 billion by 2037 and 10 billion by 2060, while growth rates continue to decline. By 2047, the growth rate is expected to drop below 0.50%, potentially reaching zero in 2084 and declining to -0.12% by 2100.

As of January 2025, the world population stands at 8,198,884,355. Among the nations contributing to this growth, countries like India, China, and the United States lead the list. Below are the top 10 most populous countries in 2025, based on data from Worldometer, a trusted reference website for real-time global statistics:

1. India

Population: 1,463,865,525

Global Share: 17.78%

Urban Population: 37.1%

Median Age: 28.8 years

India surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country, fueled by a relatively young population and high birth rates.

2. China

Population: 1,416,096,094

Global Share: 17.2%

Urban Population: 67.5%

Median Age: 40.1 years

Despite a high urbanization rate, China’s population growth has slowed due to aging demographics and declining birth rates.

3. United States

Population: 347,275,807

Global Share: 4.22%

Urban Population: 82.8%

Median Age: 38.5 years

The U.S. continues to grow steadily, driven by immigration and natural population increases.

4. Indonesia

Population: 285,721,236

Global Share: 3.47%

Urban Population: 59.6%

Median Age: 30.4 years

Indonesia remains the largest nation in Southeast Asia, with a rapidly urbanizing population.

5. Pakistan

Population: 255,219,554

Global Share: 3.1%

Urban Population: 34.4%

Median Age: 20.6 years

Pakistan’s youthful population contributes to its fast-paced growth, though challenges like urban overcrowding persist.

6. Nigeria

Population: 237,527,782

Global Share: 2.89%

Urban Population: 54.9%

Median Age: 18.1 years

As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria has one of the youngest populations globally, with immense growth potential and challenges.

7. Brazil

Population: 212,812,405

Global Share: 2.59%

Urban Population: 91.4%

Median Age: 34.8 years

Brazil remains South America’s largest nation, with a high rate of urbanization.

8. Bangladesh

Population: 175,686,899

Global Share: 2.13%

Urban Population: 42.6%

Median Age: 26.0 years

Despite its small size, Bangladesh ranks eighth globally due to its high population density.

9. Russia

Population: 143,997,393

Global Share: 1.75%

Urban Population: 75.0%

Median Age: 40.3 years

Russia’s population has stabilized but faces challenges with declining birth rates and an aging demographic.

10. Ethiopia

Population: 126,601,560

Global Share: 1.54%

Urban Population: 23.4%

Median Age: 19.5 years

Ethiopia stands out as Africa’s second-most populous country, with significant rural-to-urban migration shaping its growth.

These statistics highlight the global demographic shifts and the challenges countries face in managing resources, urbanization, and aging populations. With steady declines in growth rates, the world may soon witness the first periods of population stabilization and contraction.

---

Joseph Afam is a journalist covering global social and political developments.