List of Asian countries by population

India is the most populous country in Asia, followed by China. Together, they account for nearly 60% of the continent's total. Six other countries—Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, the Philippines, and Viet Nam—each have more than 100 million people. The top five countries collectively account for 74.32% of the Asian population. As of 2026, 30 countries and territories in Asia have more than 10 million inhabitants. Brunei Darussalam is the least populous country, while four Asian countries and dependent territories have fewer than one million inhabitants.

Five Asian countries rank among the world's ten most populous nations in 2026. India and China occupy the top two positions, followed by Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh among the global top ten. In total, 19 Asian countries rank among the world's 50 most populous countries.

Of Asia's 51 countries and territories, 43 are projected to experience population growth in 2026, while eight are expected to see declines. India is expected to contribute 45.16% of Asia's total population increase in 2026, adding 12.66 million people. Pakistan and Indonesia follow, with projected increases of 4.13 million and 2.13 million, respectively. Six countries are expected to add at least one million people each in 2026. China is projected to record the largest decline, at 3.09 million, followed by Japan (689K) and Jordan (101K).

The Syrian Arab Republic is projected to record Asia's highest population growth rate in 2026, at 3.04%. Only two other Asian countries are expected to exceed 3% growth, while six countries are projected to grow by more than 2%. Seven Asian countries rank among the world's 50 fastest-growing nations in 2026. Armenia is expected to record the lowest growth rate, at −0.72%, followed by Japan at −0.56%.

In 1950, China and India were the only Asian countries with more than 100 million people. By 2026, the number had risen to eight and is projected to reach nine by 2100, as some countries cross the 100 million mark while others fall below it.

Since 1950, the populations of seven Asian countries have each increased by more than 1,000%. Except for Georgia and Japan, all Asian countries and territories have more than doubled in population.

In 1950, Qatar was Asia's least populous country, while the Maldives held this position in 2000. Brunei Darussalam is projected to remain the least populous country through 2100, while Macao is expected to become Asia's least populous territory by that year.

• Population
• Growth rate (%)
• Choropleth Map
• Bubble Map

Population (UN)

Estimated and Projected population (UN)