The 7 Continents Ranked By Population

The 7 Continents Ranked By Population

Here is the ranking of seven continents in decreasing order of population.

1/7 Asia

Asia

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, home to a diverse and dynamic population that represents a significant portion of the global demographic landscape. As of 2023, Asia's population was estimated to be around 4.75 billion people, accounting for 59% of the world's total population. One of the striking features of Asia's population is its incredible diversity. The continent encompasses a wide range of ethnicities, languages, cultures, and religions. It is not only the most populous continent but also the most ethnically and culturally diverse. India and China are the two most populous countries in the world and account for nearly 40% of Asia's total population.

Apart from China and India, Asia is also home to other heavily populated countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan. These nations each have unique cultural, social, and economic characteristics that contribute to the overall complexity of Asia's population.

2/7 Africa

Africa

Africa, the world's second largest continent, is home to a diverse and broad-ranging population that adds up to about 1.46 billion people in 2023, which is approximately 18% of the world's total population. This population is spread across 54 recognized countries, each boasting a unique blend of different tribes, ethnic groups, and nationalities.

The population growth in Africa is the highest globally, with a rate of more than 2.5% annually and a doublings time of 27 years. Some of the continent's most populous countries are Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt, with Nigeria significantly leading in figures, harboring nearly 200 million people. Africa is also characterized by its youthful population with more than 41% of Africans being under the age of 15, making it the continent with the youngest population. This youth bulge has significant implications for education, employment, and poverty levels.

Ethnically, Africa is extremely diverse. Even within individual countries, it is common to find several different tribes or ethnic groups, each with its unique language and culture. For example, there are over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria alone. In terms of religion, Christianity and Islam are the predominant faiths.

3/7 Europe

Europe

Europe is the second smallest continent in terms of landmass but has a large population of 740 million people. The share of Europe in world's population is around 9.2%. The most populous country in Europe is Russia with a population of 144 million people. The second most populous nation is Germany with 83 million people, followed by United Kingdom with 67 million people and the United Kingdom with 64 million people. Eastern Europe is the most populated region of the continent with a population of 288 million people. This includes the countries of Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. Western Europe is the second most populated region with a population of 196 million people. This includes the countries of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Northern Europe is the least populated region with a population of 107 million people. This includes the countries of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and the Baltic States. In addition to the above mentioned countries, Europe is also home to several other countries including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Switzerland, and Turkey. Migration has been a significant factor in shaping Europe's population. The continent has seen waves of immigration from various parts of the world, contributing to its cultural diversity.

4/7 North America

North America

North America has a population of approximately 600 million people as of 2023. Its share in the world population is around 7.5%. This population is distributed across three main countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as smaller populations in Central American and Caribbean nations. 

The United States, the most populous country in North America, has a population of over 331 million people. It is known for its cultural diversity, with people from all over the world seeking opportunities and a better life in the "land of the free." The U.S. is home to a wide range of ethnicities, religions, and languages, reflecting its history as a nation of immigrants. Canada, with a population of approximately 38 million, is the second-largest country in North America. It is celebrated for its multiculturalism and high quality of life. Canada's population is ethnically diverse, with a significant number of residents born outside the country. Mexico, the southernmost nation in North America, has a population of around 126 million people. It has a rich cultural heritage, with a majority of its population identifying as mestizo, a mix of indigenous and European ancestry. Spanish is the official language, and Catholicism is the predominant religion.

Central American and Caribbean countries add to North America's demographic diversity. Nations like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Panama have varying population sizes and cultures. The Caribbean islands are known for their unique cultural identities, influenced by African, European, and indigenous traditions.

5/7 South America

South America

South America, the fourth-largest continent on Earth, is home to a diverse and vibrant population of approximately 440 million people. Its share in the world population is around 5.5%. Brazil, the largest nation in South America, is also the most populous, with over 216 million people. Colombia is the second most populous country with 52 million, while Argentina is the third most populous country at 45 million.  The continent is also highly diverse, with the majority of South Americans being of mixed European, African and Native American origin. The population densitu of South America is 25 persons per square km. 

6/7 Australia/Oceania

Australia/Oceania

Australia/Oceania is a vast and diverse region encompassing a wide range of cultures, languages, and ethnicities. As of 2023, the population of Australia/Oceania is 46 million. Australia, the largest country in Oceania, dominates the region both in terms of landmass and population. It is home to over 25 million people, primarily of European descent. Indigenous Australians, who have a rich cultural history dating back tens of thousands of years, make up a smaller but significant portion of the population. English is the predominant language, and a majority of Australians adhere to Christianity.

New Zealand, located to the southeast of Australia, has a population of around 5 million people. The country is known for its breathtaking landscapes, indigenous Māori culture, and a mix of European and Pacific Islander influences. English and Māori are the official languages, and Christianity is the most widely practiced religion.

The islands of the Pacific Ocean, collectively known as the Pacific Islands, are home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. Nations like Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu are among the most populous in the region, each with its unique cultural identity. Many Pacific Island nations have indigenous languages and cultural practices distinct from those in Australia and New Zealand.

The population of Australia/Oceania also includes various island territories and dependencies governed by Australia, France, the United States, and other countries. These territories are often home to indigenous populations and are known for their cultural richness and natural beauty.

7/7 Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent in the world by area and is the coldest, driest, and windiest of all of them. Because of its inhospitable climate, Antarctica has no permanent population, but is instead populated by transient researchers and support staff. The population of Antarctica is estimated to range anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 people, with the majority of these being researchers and support staff from various countries. These people come to Antarctica to conduct scientific research, work at research bases, or to provide logistical and operational support to the research teams. Most of Antarctica’s population is concentrated around the research bases and stations scattered throughout the continent. The largest of these is the McMurdo Station, which is managed by the United States Antarctic Program and is home to approximately 1,200 people during the summer months. Other countries such as Australia, China, India, Italy, and New Zealand also have research bases in Antarctica, and these are staffed by personnel from those respective countries. In addition to the research personnel, there are also a few hundred people who travel to Antarctica for various tourism purposes, such as sightseeing and adventure activities. These people are typically accompanied by guides and support staff, and they stay in special accommodations while they are in Antarctica. Overall, Antarctica’s population is quite small and transient, but it increases significantly during the summer months when research personnel and tourists are most active. 

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