As of 2025, the global population is estimated to be 8.2 billion, with projections indicating an increase to 10.3 billion by the 2080s. Among the world’s most populous nations, India and China stand out, and a closer look at their population statistics reveals some fascinating insights.
India’s population in 2025 is projected to be 1.46 billion, accounting for 17.78% of the global population, while China’s population is estimated at 1.42 billion, making up 17.2% of the world’s total. India recently surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country. This means that together, India and China comprise more than 35% of the global population, highlighting their critical role in any demographic discussion.
Population Density: India vs. China
India has a much higher population density of 492 people per km², making it one of the most densely populated major countries in the world. In contrast, China, with its vast land area of 9.39 million km², has a significantly lower population density of 151 people per km², meaning its population is more evenly spread out.
How India and China Compare to Other Countries and Regions
Beyond these statistics, what truly surprises many is how India and China’s massive populations compare to other countries and regions. After analyzing recent Worldometer’s global population data, we uncovered the following striking comparisons:
- India alone has a larger population than all of Africa.
- India’s population is nearly twice that of Europe.
- China’s population is more than twice that of North America.
- India has over three times the population of South America.
- India has more people than 30 times the population of Oceania.
- China’s population is more than 50 times that of Australia.
- The United States has less than one-fourth of India’s population.
- North and South America combined have fewer people than either India or China alone.
- India and China together have more than four times the population of Europe.
- India’s population is more than double that of Latin America and the Caribbean.
- China’s population is nearly equal to the combined populations of Africa and Europe.
- India alone has more people than all of Latin America and North America combined.
- China’s population is more than 16 times that of Germany.
- India and China together have nearly six times the population of Europe.
- India’s population is more than five times that of the United States.
- China has a larger population than all of South America, North America, and Oceania combined.
- India’s population is larger than the combined total of Europe, the U.S., and Canada.
- India’s population is greater than that of the United States, Nigeria, Germany, and the UK combined.
Top 10 Most Populous Countries in 2025
| Rank | Country | Population (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 1,450,935,791 |
| 2 | China | 1,419,321,278 |
| 3 | United States | 345,426,571 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 283,487,931 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 251,269,164 |
| 6 | Nigeria | 232,679,478 |
| 7 | Brazil | 211,998,573 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 173,562,364 |
| 9 | Russia | 144,820,423 |
| 10 | Ethiopia | 132,059,767 |
The Future of India and China’s Populations
- China’s population is expected to decline in the coming decades due to low birth rates (1.0 fertility rate) and an aging society.
- India’s population will continue growing, but at a slower pace, with a fertility rate of 2.0, which is closer to the replacement level.
- By the end of the 21st century, India is likely to remain the world’s most populous country, while China’s population may shrink significantly.
As the two most populous nations, India and China play a crucial role in shaping global demographics, economies, and policies. With a combined population nearing 2.88 billion, these two nations influence everything from global markets and trade to environmental concerns and geopolitical strategies. Their demographic trends will be a key factor in shaping the future of the world.