The Changing World Population, by Country (1960–2022)
From 1960 to 2022, the population of various countries around the world has undergone significant changes. These changes have been influenced by a multitude of factors, including birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.
In 1960, the world’s population stood at 3 billion. In just under three decades, by 1987, it had surged past the 5 billion mark. Fast forward another three decades, and we reached a global population of 8 billion. Notably, since 1975, the world’s population has consistently increased by approximately one billion every 12 years.
Asia’s distinction as the world’s most populous continent has deep historical roots, extending back for centuries. The interplay of factors such as robust birth rates, an expansive landmass, and a mosaic of diverse cultures has solidified Asia’s sustained reign as the most densely populated continent on our planet.
Europe, meanwhile, maintained its position as the second most populous continent for the majority of the 20th century, relinquishing this status around 1992. In that pivotal juncture, Africa emerged as the new contender, driven by remarkable population growth rates stemming from elevated birth rates and improved healthcare. Since the early 1990s, this shift in the population ranking has endured, with Africa firmly holding its place as the world’s second most populated continent, trailing only behind Asia.
China’s long-standing status as the world’s most populous nation dates back to 221 BC when the Qin Dynasty’s unification marked its ascent. Over the millennia, China consistently maintained this demographic supremacy. In 2022, China’s population reached a pinnacle of 1.412 billion before embarking on a gradual decline. Remarkably, by the close of the same year, India assumed the mantle of the world’s most populous nation, surpassing China in terms of population.
The animated map below provided below showcase the population of countries worldwide in both 1960 and 2022, based on data sourced from the World Bank.
