List of countries by population growth rate

The Central African Republic would have the highest population growth rate in 2026, at 3.28%. Among the ten fastest-growing countries/territories, eight are located in Africa and two in Asia. Seven countries/territories have population growth rates above 3%. Among the 44 countries/territories with population growth rates above 2%, all are located in just three continents: Africa accounts for 35, Asia for 6, and Oceania for 3.

Saint Martin (French part) would have the lowest population growth rate in 2026, at -4.16%, followed by the Marshall Islands (-3.28%) and the Cook Islands (-3.26%). Of the 65 countries and dependent territories with negative population growth rates, 30 are in Europe, 15 in North America, eight each in Asia and Oceania, and two each in Africa and South America.

Between 2020 and 2026, Tokelau recorded the highest population growth rate, at 30.17%, followed by Syria, whose population grew by 29.09% over the same period. Of the 54 countries and dependent territories whose populations declined between 2020 and 2026, 25 are in Europe, 11 in North America, six in Asia, and eight in Oceania.

Between 1950 and 2026, the population of the United Arab Emirates has increased by more than 15,000%, followed by Qatar, at more than 13,000%. Sixteen countries have recorded population growth of more than 1,000% over this period. In contrast, eight countries and dependent territories have populations in 2026 that are lower than their 1950 populations.

By 2050, 74 countries and dependent territories are projected to have smaller populations than in 2026. By 2100, this number is projected to rise to 115, indicating a substantially broader population decline over the longer term.