In the middle of 2023, about 60 percent of the global population was living in Asia.
The total world population amounted to 8.1 billion people on the planet. In other words 4.7 billion people were living in Asia as of 2023.
Global population
Due to medical advances, better living conditions and the increase of agricultural productivity, the world population increased rapidly over the past century, and is expected to continue to grow. After reaching eight billion in 2023, the global population is estimated to pass 10 billion by 2060.
Africa expected to drive population increase
Most of the future population increase is expected to happen in Africa. The countries with the highest population growth rate in 2024 were mostly African countries. While around 1.47 billion people live on the continent as of 2024, this is forecast to grow to 3.9 billion by 2100. This is underlined by the fact that most of the countries wit the highest population growth rate are found in Africa. The growing population, in combination with climate change, puts increasing pressure on the world's resources.
Distribution of the global population 2024, by continent
The statistical data were calculated by Statista using the information provided in the source.
The data originate from statistical yearbooks and bulletins from the respective countries. In addition to this, publications of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Population Division) of the UN and the U.S. Census Bureau as a data source. Other sources include recent demographic studies, special studies and direct interviews with demographers and statistical inquiries at offices in the United States and other countries.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Population Reference Bureau. (September 10, 2024). Distribution of the global population 2024, by continent [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/237584/distribution-of-the-world-population-by-continent/
Population Reference Bureau. "Distribution of the global population 2024, by continent." Chart. September 10, 2024. Statista. Accessed November 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/237584/distribution-of-the-world-population-by-continent/
Population Reference Bureau. (2024). Distribution of the global population 2024, by continent. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/237584/distribution-of-the-world-population-by-continent/
Population Reference Bureau. "Distribution of The Global Population 2024, by Continent." Statista, Statista Inc., 10 Sep 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/237584/distribution-of-the-world-population-by-continent/
Population Reference Bureau, Distribution of the global population 2024, by continent Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/237584/distribution-of-the-world-population-by-continent/ (last visited November 22, 2024)
Distribution of the global population 2024, by continent [Graph], Population Reference Bureau, September 10, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/237584/distribution-of-the-world-population-by-continent/
