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List of Countries by Population

A list of countries by population is a demographic ranking of sovereign states and, in some versions, dependent territories ordered by estimated or censused population.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A list of countries by population is a demographic ranking of sovereign states and, in some versions, dependent territories ordered by estimated or censused population. The exact figures and rankings vary by source and reference date, so such lists are usually time-stamped and may combine official national estimates with United Nations data.

Methodology

Population lists may use census counts, official government estimates, or United Nations projections. Because countries report at different times, the ranking can shift depending on the date used.

Top-ranked countries

Recent population rankings place India first and China second, with the United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Nigeria also among the most populous countries. Exact values differ across sources and years.

Sources and reliability

Comparative lists usually standardize figures from national statistical agencies and international datasets to make countries easier to compare. Lists that include dependencies should be distinguished from those covering only sovereign states.

Use in demographics

These lists are commonly used to study global population distribution, growth trends, and regional concentration. They also provide context for migration, urbanization, and economic analysis.

Key facts

  • Population rankings depend on the reference date and source methodology.
  • Some versions include dependent territories, while others restrict the list to sovereign states.
  • The United Nations is a common source for comparable international population estimates.
  • India and China are consistently the two most populous countries in modern rankings.
  • Many lists show rapid population growth in countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers often use population lists for comparative demographics, immigration context, trade analysis, and global geography education. Canada is usually ranked outside the top 30 by population in modern lists.

Frequently asked questions

What is a list of countries by population?
It is a ranking of countries, and sometimes dependent territories, ordered by how many people live in each one.
Which country is usually first?
India is usually ranked first, with China second, in recent global population lists.
Why do different lists show different numbers?
They may use different dates, censuses, official estimates, or UN projections, so the totals are not always directly comparable.
Do these lists include dependencies?
Some do, but many separate dependent territories from sovereign states or exclude them entirely.
What is the main source used for comparisons?
The United Nations is a common source because it provides standardized international population estimates.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_dependencies_by_population
    Supports: Example of a country-and-dependencies population list, including different reference dates and sources.
  2. Worldometer — https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/population-by-country/
    Supports: Recent ranking of countries by population and associated demographic metadata.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_(United_Nations)
    Supports: Description of a United Nations-based list of countries by population.
  4. Nations Online Project — https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/population-by-country.htm
    Supports: Population ranking of countries using UN estimates and national sources.