As of 2024, the estimated number of internet users worldwide was 5.5 billion, up from 5.3 billion in the previous year. This share represents 68 percent of the global population.
Internet access around the world
Easier access to computers, the modernization of countries worldwide, and increased utilization of smartphones have allowed people to use the internet more frequently and conveniently. However, internet penetration often pertains to the current state of development regarding communications networks. As of January 2023, there were approximately 1.05 billion total internet users in China and 692 million total internet users in the United States.
Online activities
Social networking is one of the most popular online activities worldwide, and Facebook is the most popular online network based on active usage. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, there were over 3.07 billion monthly active Facebook users, accounting for well more than half of the internet users worldwide. Connecting with family and friends, expressing opinions, entertainment, and online shopping are amongst the most popular reasons for internet usage.
Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024
(in millions)
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ITU. (May 31, 2024). Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. "Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions)." Chart. May 31, 2024. Statista. Accessed December 29, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. (2024). Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 29, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. "Number of Internet Users Worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 31 May 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU, Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/ (last visited December 29, 2024)
Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions) [Graph], ITU, May 31, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
