Which country has the largest population as of 2023?

Which country had the largest population as of 2023? India. The United Nations estimated India’s 2023 population at about 1.43 billion, placing it ahead of China.

India’s population passed China’s during 2023, marking a major demographic shift after China had held the top position for decades. India’s growth was driven by falling mortality, improved healthcare, and increased agricultural productivity, especially after the Green Revolution.

The figure is an estimate rather than a fresh census count: India’s most recent completed national census was conducted in 2011, recording about 1.21 billion residents. Population rankings can therefore vary slightly by source and methodology, but India’s first-place position in 2023 is widely accepted.

A common mix-up is confusing population size with land area. India is the world’s most populous country, but Russia, Canada, China, the United States, and Brazil are larger by area.