Population Rankings
Every ranking lists its criteria, reference year and source. Population and growth come from the UN World Population Prospects; other indicators from the World Bank World Development Indicators, latest available year.
- Most Populated Countries in the WorldCountries and territories ordered by total mid-year population, largest first.
- Least Populated Countries in the WorldCountries and territories ordered by total mid-year population, smallest first. Uninhabited territories are excluded.
- Fastest Growing Countries by PopulationPercentage change in mid-year population compared with the previous year, highest first.
- Countries with Declining PopulationsOnly countries whose mid-year population is lower than the year before, steepest decline first.
- Countries with the Highest Population DensityResidents per square kilometre of land area (World Bank), highest first.
- Countries with the Lowest Population DensityResidents per square kilometre of land area (World Bank), lowest first.
- Countries with the Highest Birth RatesCrude birth rate: live births per 1,000 people per year (World Bank), highest first.
- Countries with the Lowest Birth RatesCrude birth rate: live births per 1,000 people per year (World Bank), lowest first.
- Countries with the Highest Life ExpectancyLife expectancy at birth, both sexes combined (World Bank), highest first.
- Countries with the Lowest Fertility RatesTotal fertility rate: average births per woman over a lifetime (World Bank), lowest first.
- Countries with the Oldest PopulationsMedian age of the total population (UN World Population Prospects), highest first.
- Most Urbanized CountriesShare of the population living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices (World Bank), highest first.