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In 1960, China dominated the world’s population chart with about 660 million people, while India lagged behind at 450 million. By 2024, the tables have turned: India has surged past China, reaching nearly 1.43 billion people, just ahead of China’s 1.41 billion.
This demographic milestone marks a shift in global influence, as India becomes the most populous country on Earth.
Africa’s Population Boom
Africa’s giants are rising fast. Nigeria and Ethiopia, almost invisible on the global demographic map in the 1960s, have seen explosive growth. Nigeria has grown from 45 million to over 230 million, while Ethiopia rose from 22 million to 130 million.
This growth is reshaping global demographics, with Africa set to be the main driver of world population in the coming decades.
Asia Still Dominates
While India and China remain the biggest players, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia have also experienced massive population growth. Indonesia climbed from 87 million to over 280 million, while Pakistan jumped from 46 million to more than 250 million, and Bangladesh grew fivefold to around 175 million.
Together, these nations highlight Asia’s continuing demographic weight.
The Slow and Steady West
Meanwhile, the United States shows a slower but steady climb, moving from 180 million in 1960 to around 340 million in 2024. In contrast, Russia has remained almost flat, hovering just above 140 million and even declining slightly in recent decades.
This underlines the demographic stagnation seen in parts of Europe and the former Soviet bloc.
What’s Next?
The data from My Data Jungle clearly illustrate a world whose population center of gravity is shifting south and east. With India now in the lead and Africa accelerating, the geopolitical and economic implications could be profound—reshaping labor markets, trade, and global power in the decades to come.