Top 10 most populous countries in the world

Indonesia ranks 4th globally in population with approximately 274.97 million people, making up about 1% of the world’s population as of December 2020. Known as the 'Archipelago of a Thousand Islands', Indonesia also has the largest Muslim population in the world. With a total land area of around 1.9 million square kilometers, it is the 14th largest country in terms of size. The nation’s numerous islands contribute to a rich diversity in ethnic groups, languages, and religions. The Javanese are the most populous and politically influential ethnic group in Indonesia.

Despite its large population and densely packed regions, Indonesia also features vast uninhabited areas. It holds the world’s second-highest level of biodiversity. While the country is rich in natural resources, poverty remains a significant issue in modern-day Indonesia.

Pakistan is a South Asian country with a population of over 223.06 million people, representing around 2.85% of the world’s total population, ranking 5th globally as of December 2020. The country covers an area of 881,912 square kilometers, placing it 33rd in the world in terms of land size. Pakistan is also an active member of the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Around 20% of Pakistan’s population continues to live below the international poverty line, earning less than 1.25 USD a day.

Despite being one of the poorest nations in 1947, Pakistan's economic growth has been above the global average for the next four decades. Recently, large-scale economic reforms have led to a brighter outlook for a stronger and faster-growing economy, especially in sectors like manufacturing and financial services. Since the 1990s, the country has made significant improvements in its foreign exchange position, with rapid growth in foreign currency reserves.

Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world by land area, covering 8.5 million square kilometers. With a population of approximately 213.24 million people, it ranks 6th globally, accounting for 2.72% of the world’s population as of December 2020. Brazil’s economy is considered the 12th largest in the world by GDP, valued at around 1.363 trillion USD according to the IMF. It is one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with significant international recognition driven by economic reforms.

Brazil is also the world’s 10th largest energy consumer and the top energy consumer in Latin America. Furthermore, the country is a leading producer of oil and natural gas in the region and the world’s largest ethanol energy producer at present.

Ethiopia has a population of 116.43 million people, and it is located in East Africa. Nigeria, with a population of 208.88 million people, is the most populous country in Africa and the 7th most populous in the world, representing about 2.67% of the global population as of December 2020. Nigeria covers an area of 923,786 square kilometers, ranking 31st globally. After gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, Nigeria was ruled by a military dictatorship until democracy was restored in 1999.

Today, Nigeria is still considered a developing country, with a very low Human Development Index (HDI). However, Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa and a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The country’s economy has started to grow recently due to oil exports, but it faces significant challenges. In 1960, Nigeria officially joined the United Nations and became a member of organizations such as the African Union and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Bangladesh is a South Asian country with a population of approximately 165.48 million people, making up about 2.11% of the world’s population. As of December 2020, it ranks 8th globally. Bangladesh is relatively small in size, with an area of only 147,570 square kilometers, ranking 92nd in the world. Due to its small land area, Bangladesh has one of the highest population densities in the world. The majority of its population, about 89.5%, practices Islam, followed by 9.6% Hindus, and smaller communities of Buddhists, Christians, and other religions.

Despite domestic and international efforts to improve its economic and demographic outlook, Bangladesh remains a developing country with a large population. The country’s per capita income in 2020 was low, at just 1,888 USD, along with several other low economic indicators. However, Bangladesh has recently made significant strides in human development, particularly through efforts to improve education, promote gender equality in schools, and slow population growth.

Although Russia is the largest country in the world by land area, covering around 17 million square kilometers, its population ranks only 9th globally, with approximately 145.88 million people, making up around 1.86% of the world’s population as of December 2020. Russia is one of the five recognized nuclear powers and possesses the largest stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. The country has made significant advancements in space technology and exploration, including aircraft engines, jamming weapons, and other remarkable achievements.

Despite its vast territory and status as the largest oil producer, Russia’s GDP in 2020 was valued at approximately 1.464 trillion USD, ranking 11th globally according to the IMF. Russia’s economy and social sectors have maintained a stable level of development.

Mexico is a stunning country located in North America, bordered by the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. With a coastline stretching over 10,000 km, it has the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Mexico is home to approximately 129.6 million people, making up about 1.65% of the world’s population and ranking 10th globally as of December 2020.

Mexico is a vast country, covering nearly 2 million square kilometers, ranking 13th in the world by land area. It is the country with the highest number of Spanish speakers worldwide, and its predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. In terms of economy, Mexico's GDP in 2020 was approximately 1.04 trillion USD, making it the 16th largest economy globally according to the IMF.

As of December 2020, China has a population of 1,441,457,889 people, making it the most populous country in the world, representing approximately 18.40% of the global population. China covers nearly 9.6 million square kilometers, making it the second-largest country by land area and the third-largest by total area.

By 2020, China's economy had become the second-largest in the world, with a GDP of approximately 14.86 trillion USD according to the IMF. China is home to 56 ethnic groups, with the largest being the Han Chinese, accounting for 91.51% of the population. In terms of religion, China has been influenced by a variety of movements, with its traditional Three Teachings—Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism—shaping its spiritual landscape.

India is the second most populous country in the world, with a population of 1,412,366,812 people, making up 17.70% of the global population as of December 2020. It is predicted that India could soon surpass China and become the most populous country in the world, due to the fast-growing population. Additionally, India is the seventh-largest country by land area, covering 3.29 million square kilometers. As of 2020, India's economy ranked 6th in the world in terms of GDP, with a total value of 2.592 trillion USD according to the IMF.

Following economic reforms in 1991, India became one of the fastest-growing major economies and is regarded as a newly industrialized country. However, it continues to face significant challenges, including poverty, corruption, inadequate public healthcare, malnutrition, and terrorism.

The United States is a federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal district. With a population of 331,951,114, the United States ranks third in the world, making up approximately 4.24% of the global population as of December 2020. The country is the fourth-largest by land area, covering 9.52 million square kilometers. Additionally, the U.S. has 14 territories scattered across the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

The United States is also one of the most ethnically diverse countries, due to the influx of immigrants from around the world. Its economy is the largest in the world by real GDP, estimated at approximately 20.807 trillion USD in 2020. As the last remaining superpower after the Cold War, the United States is recognized globally as a dominant force in military, cultural, and economic influence.