From 2000 to 2024, the global population grew from approximately 6.17 billion to over 8.16 billion. India surpassed China in 2023 with approximately 1.42 billion, and the U.S. had approximately 345 million in mid-2024. The 2% and higher annual growth rates were felt in Sub-Saharan Africa. The annual growth rate of the world declined from approximately 1.36% in 2000 to approximately 0.87% in mid-2024.
Here’s a table summarizing the key trends of population growth (2000-2024):
| Year/Period | Most Populous Countries | Key Trends |
| 2000 | China (1.26 billion)India (1.05 billion)United States (282 million)Indonesia (206 million)Brazil (174 million) | Rapid population growth in developing nations; early signs of aging populations in developed countries. |
| 2010 | China (1.34 billion)India (1.21 billion)United States (309 million)Indonesia (242 million)Brazil (195 million) | Sustained growth in Asia; increasing urbanization; fertility rates declining in some regions. |
| 2020 | China (1.41 billion)India (1.38 billion)United States (331 million)Indonesia (273 million)Brazil (213 million) | India's population is nearing China's, there has been significant growth in South Asia, and there are challenges of aging in East Asia and Europe. |
| 2023 | India (1.42 billion)China (1.41 billion)United States (339 million)Indonesia (280 million)Brazil (215 million) | India surpasses China; rapid South Asian growth and increased migration influence U.S. population dynamics. |
| 2024 | India (1.45 billion)China (1.42 billion)United States (345 million)Indonesia (283 million)Pakistan (251 million) | Continued growth in developing regions; aging populations in East Asia; and migration significantly contributing to U.S. growth. |
Key takeaways
- 2000: China’s population was 1.26 billion, and India had 1.05 billion.
- 2010: India’s population had grown to approximately 1.21 billion, with China being up to 1.34 billion.
- 2020: China had approximately 1.41 billion, and India had nearly 1.38 billion.
- 2023: India had surpassed China, with its 1.42 billion people compared with 1.41 billion for China.
- 2024: India led with a future expected population of approximately 1.45 billion people..
2000: Dominance of China and India
In 2000, India, China, the USA, Indonesia, and Brazil were the top five populous countries. The most populous country had 1.266 billion people, and India had 1.05 billion. The USA had 282 million people, 206 million people inhabited Indonesia, and 174 million people lived in Brazil.
2010: Asia's population surge
In 2010, China's population was about 1.34 billion, and it was still the world's largest. India's population grew to about 1.21 billion and was closing in on China. The United States had a population of approximately 309 million, Indonesia's was approximately 242 million, and Brazil's was approximately 195 million.
2020: Nearing the population tipping point
In 2020, China had about 1.42 billion people, while India kept growing and reached about 1.4 billion people, closer to China's population. The United States had about 331 million residents, Indonesia's population increased to about 274 million, and Brazil had a population of about 214 million.
2023: India's population milestone
In 2023, India's population reached an estimated 1.42 billion, with China at approximately 1.41 billion, creating a demographic shift with India as the most populous country. The United States had a population of about 339 million, Indonesia reached about 280 million, and Brazil had about 215 million.
2024: Stabilizing populations amidst declines
India had an estimated population of about 1.45 billion, whereas China is slightly over with about 1.42 billion. Further down the line comes the United States at approximately 345 million, Indonesia at about 283 million, and Pakistan at approximately 251 million.
Conclusion
Over the past two decades, global population trends have been marked by significant shifts. India surpassed China around 2023 with a population of approximately 1.42 billion, compared to China’s 1.41 billion. Notable increases were also seen in the United States (345 million by mid-2024), Indonesia (283 million), and Pakistan (251 million).
The global population grew from about 6.17 billion in 2000 to over 8.16 billion by 2024, reflecting broader demographic changes that are crucial for understanding future growth challenges.
FAQs
What are the trends in population growth in the World?
The global population growth rate is falling, and growth is increasingly concentrated in developing regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. In comparison, many developed countries have very low or even negative growth rates, resulting from both aging and lower birth rates.
Which Country Has the Fastest Growing Population in 2024?
At the start of 2024, Niger is the country with the fastest population growth on account of its high birth rate and young population.
What was the most populated country in 2000?
In 2000, China had the world's largest population of over 1.2 billion people.
What are the most populated countries in the World 2024?
India, China, the United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan are the most populous countries in 2024.
