Changing Landscape of Global Demography

The world’s demographic landscape is undergoing a significant shift, according to new population projections for 2025.

India has officially surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation, marking a historic turning point. The data, compiled from various sources and released today, highlights dramatic differences in growth rates across the globe, with Africa experiencing particularly explosive increases.

India’s population is projected to reach 1,463,865,525 by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 0.89%, adding over 12.9 million people each year. This growth, though substantial, is slowing compared to previous decades. Meanwhile, China’s population is experiencing a decline, projected at 1,416,096,094 with a -0.23% annual change, representing a loss of over 3.2 million people.

This marks the first population decline for China in decades, fueled by a remarkably low fertility rate of just 1.02.

Top 10 Most Populous Nations (2025 Projections):

1. India (1,463,865,525): Now the world’s most populous nation. A median age of 28.8 years suggests a young, growing workforce. However, a negative net migration of -495,753 indicates outward movement.

2. China (1,416,096,094): Experiencing its first population decline in decades. A significantly aging population with a median age of 40.1 is posing new economic and social challenges.

3. United States (347,275,807): Continued growth driven largely by immigration, with a positive net migration of 1,230,663. A highly urbanized nation (82.8%) with a median age of 38.5.

4. Indonesia (285,721,236): A burgeoning Southeast Asian nation with a growth rate of 0.79%. A median age of 30.4, indicating a relatively young demographic.

5. Pakistan (255,219,554): A rapidly growing population with a rate of 1.57%. However, it experiences a significant negative net migration of -1,235,336, suggesting substantial emigration. The median age is a low 20.6.

6. Nigeria (237,527,782): Experiencing the fastest growth rate (2.08%) among the top 10, adding nearly 5 million people annually. A very young population with a median age of just 18.1.

7. Brazil (212,812,405): Slower growth (0.38%) than other developing nations. A highly urbanized country (91.4%) with a median age of 34.8.

8. Bangladesh (175,686,899): A densely populated nation continuing to experience growth.

9. Russia (144,444,359): Facing significant demographic challenges, including a declining population and an aging workforce.

10. Mexico (128,455,567): A significant population in North America, experiencing moderate growth.