The 10 Most Populated Countries in Asia

Asia is the most populated continent with a population of approximately 4.5 billion people as of 2017, based on the United Nations estimates. The continent’s population accounts for 59.8% of the total world’s population. Asia has a population density of 376 people per square miles with 49% of the population living in urban areas. The average relative annual growth of the Asian population is estimated at 1.16% and the population is expected to double in 58 years. India and China account for almost 50% of the continent’s population. The East Asia has the strongest Human Development Index of any region in the world. Here are the ten most populated countries in Asia

10. Iran - 78.8 million

Iran completes the list of the top ten populous countries in Asia with a population of approximately 78.8 million people as of 2017, accounting for 1.74% of the total Asian population. Iran experienced a rapid population growth between 1956 and 2009, with the population growing from 19 million to 75 million during the period. Iran is home to the largest refugee population in the world. Iran has population growth rate of 1.29 and the population is expected to double in 2070 from 2017.

9. Vietnam - 94 million

Vietnam has a population of approximately 94 million people as of 2016, accounting for 2.03% of the Asian population. The country’s population has grown significantly from 52 million in 1979 to over 74 million in 2016. The annual population growth rate in the Philippines is 1.5%, with the population expected to double in 2060. The two-child policy by the government is aimed at reducing the high population growth in the country.

8. Philippines - 100.6 million

The population of experienced a 45% growth from 1990 to 2008. Currently, the country has a population of about 100 million people, accounting for 2.23% of the total population of Asia. About 50% of the population resides on the island of Luzon. The Philippines is relatively a youthful country with a population median age of 22.7 years. The population growth rate is estimated at 1.5%. The country is expected to double its population in 45 years from 2016.

7. Japan - 128 million

The population of Japan is approximately 128 million people, accounting for 2.81% of the population of Asia. The majority of the population (Over 80%) lives on Honshu. Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka are the largest cities in Japan with a population of 8 million, 3 million, and two million respectively. Japan’s population growth rate is estimated as -0.01 as a result of the falling birth rate despite the high life expectancy.

6. Russia - 144 million

As of January 2016, Russia has a population of approximately 144 million people. The population of Russia peaked just before the dissolution of Soviet Union but began declining in id-1990s. However, the decline has been slowed by reduced death rates. The population of Russia accounts for 3.19% of the Asian population and has an annual growth rate of 0.19%. The population is expected to double in 368 years from 2016.

5. Bangladesh - 163 million

Bangladesh has an estimated population of 163 million people according to the 2016 UN data. It is the eighth most populous country in the world and the most densely populated large country. The population of Bangladesh accounts for 3.63 of the total Asian population. With an average relative annual growth of 1.37%, the population is expected to double in 2065.

4. Pakistan - 207.8 million

As of the 2017 provisional census result, Pakistan has a population of approximately 207.8 million people, representing 57% growth over 19 years. Pakistan’s population accounts for 2.57% of the world’s population and 4.39 of the Asian population, ranking it fourth in Asia and sixth in the world. Pakistan is relatively a young nation with a median age of 23.4 years.

3. Indonesia - 255 million

As of July 2015, Indonesia has a population of 255.4 million people with a population growth rate of 1.9%. The majority of the population lives on Java Island, the most populous island in the world. Indonesia has a relatively young population with a median age of 28.6 years. The country’s population is expected to grow to approximately 270 million by 2020 and surpass 320 million by 20150.

2. India - 1.2 billion

India is the second most populous country in both Asia and the world with a population of approximately 1.2 billion people, accounting for 29.72% of the Asian population. About 30% of the total Indian population lives in urban areas with the majority living in the rural. With a population growth of 1.2%, it is projected to be the most populous country in the world by 2022, surpassing China.

1. China - 1.3 billion

With a population of about 1.3 billion people, China is not only the most populated country in Asia but also in the world. China’s population accounts for 31.35% of the Asian population. It has a population density of 137 people per square kilometers. The eastern half of the country is the most populated region, accounting for over 90% of the population while the northern and western regions have a sparse population.