# The most populous countries in the world (2025)

India overtook China in 2023, and both have more than 1.4 billion people: the 20 most populous countries in 2025 according to UN estimates (World Population Prospects 2024). Did you expect that?

- 0 votes · 20 items
- Dec 14, 2025 · Jonas
- https://even.best/en/l/2858/the-most-populous-countries-in-the-world-2025

## Top 20

1. **India** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 1,464 million people. The most populous country since 2023.
2. **China** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 1,416 million people. Its population is already shrinking.
3. **United States** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 347 million people. Third, far behind.
4. **Indonesia** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 286 million people. The largest Muslim-majority country.
5. **Pakistan** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 255 million people. Growing fast.
6. **Nigeria** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 238 million people. Africa's most populous country.
7. **Brazil** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 213 million people. The largest country in Latin America.
8. **Bangladesh** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 176 million people. One of the most densely populated countries.
9. **Russia** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 144 million people. Europe's most populous country.
10. **Ethiopia** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 135 million people. Africa's number two.
11. **Mexico** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 132 million people. The largest Spanish-speaking country.
12. **Japan** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 123 million people. One of the oldest populations in the world.
13. **Egypt** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 118 million people. Almost everyone lives along the Nile.
14. **Philippines** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 117 million people. More than 7,000 islands.
15. **DR Congo** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 113 million people. Growing very fast.
16. **Vietnam** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 102 million people. Over 100 million recently.
17. **Iran** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 92 million people. Ancient Persia.
18. **Turkey** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 88 million people. Between Europe and Asia.
19. **Germany** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 84 million people. The EU's most populous country.
20. **Thailand** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — About 72 million people. The land of smiles.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.