By 2054, India is projected to remain the world’s most populous country, growing by 17.1% from 2024 to reach 1.69 billion people

Key Takeaways:

  • India is projected to remain the world’s most populous country in 2054, reaching 1.69 billion, an increase of 246 million from 2024.
  • China’s population is expected to decline to 1.22 billion by 2054, marking a 14.1% decrease.
  • Nigeria is projected to rise to 5th place globally, with a population of 374 million, a 62% increase from 2024.
  • The United States remains the only high-income country in the top five, with a projected population of 384 million.
  • Pakistan is expected to climb from 5th to 3rd place, adding 138 million people by 2054.
  • Three African countries (Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) are expected to rank among the top 10 most populous nations.
  • Russia is projected to see a population decline of 6.9%.

Looking ahead to 2054, India is projected to solidify its position as the world’s most populous country, with an estimated 1.69 billion people, growing by nearly 250 million over three decades. In contrast, China is expected to see its population decline to 1.22 billion, a 14.1% drop from its 2024 level.

Rapid growth in countries such as Pakistan and Nigeria is expected to significantly reshape the global demographic landscape. Pakistan is projected to surge into third place with 387 million people, while Nigeria is expected to reach 374 million, moving up to fifth place globally. Meanwhile, Russia, like China, is on a path of population decline, with its population expected to decline by 6.9%.

Source:

UNDESA: World Population Prospects 2024

Period:

2054
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By 2100, seven African nations are expected to rank among the world’s 15 most populous countries, with Nigeria’s population projected to more than double
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