World & Nations1950–2025
Most Populous Countries
For over 70 years China stood as the world's most populous nation, but decades of the one-child policy and India's steady growth set up the great crossover. In 2023 India overtook China to become the most populous country on Earth, while Nigeria climbs relentlessly toward the top tier.
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Source: UN World Population Prospects 2024 Mid-year population estimates; Russia used in place of the USSR for continuity. Updated 2026-07-03