Internet Users by Country
The uses of the internet are wide and varied, including gathering information, staying connected with loved ones, accessing the latest in entertainment and media, and more. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most indispensable resources in our daily lives.
Recent statistics project that the number of internet users worldwide will rise by 1.8% in 2024, to 5.35 billion. But where are they located? In this post, we delve into the ranking of internet users by country.
Number of internet users by country
|
Country |
Number of internet users |
|
China |
1.05 billion |
|
India |
692 million |
|
United States |
311.3 million |
|
Indonesia |
212.9 million |
|
Brazil |
181.8 million |
|
Russia |
127.6 million |
|
Nigeria |
122.5 million |
|
Japan |
102.5 million |
|
Mexico |
100.6 million |
|
Philippines |
85.16 million |
1. China: 1.05 billion
According to a recent survey, China tops the ranking, with approximately 1.05 billion internet users, making it the only nation with more than a billion people online. This achievement underscores China's extensive digital infrastructure and its pivotal role in the global digital economy. Over the past decade, China has significantly improved its internet speeds. This is further evidenced by the $3 billion the country generated in ecommerce sales in 2023, surpassing any other nation by a large margin.
2. India: 692 million
India ranks second on this list of internet users by country with 692 million users out of a population of 1.44 billion. Recent advancements in broadband connectivity have spurred growth across various sectors, including ecommerce, online education, and digital payments. In fact, Mumbai-headquartered Reliance Industries currently ranks among the top ecommerce companies worldwide.
3. United States: 311.3 million
The United States holds the third spot on this list ranking most internet users by country, with 311.3 million users. Known for having the world’s largest GDP, the US also enjoys high internet speeds. In 2023, it generated $1.2 billion in ecommerce sales, second only to China.
4. Indonesia: 212.9 million
Indonesia, with 212.9 million users, follows in fourth place. But it faces uphill connectivity challenges, despite its high ranking. Its internet services are relatively expensive and lag behind in quality and speed compared to some of its ASEAN neighbors. However, the number of internet users there continues to grow, indicating a strong potential for market improvement.
5. Brazil: 181.8 million
Brazil follows closely behind Indonesia with 181.8 million users. The internet adoption rate in Brazil has been mostly rising over the past decade. In 2014, just 54.6% of the population used the internet. Today, that figure is 86.6%.
6. Russia: 127.6 million
Next on the ranking of internet users by country is Russia, home to 127.6 million users. Reaching substantial internet speeds with an average mobile speed of 23.97 Mbps and a fixed internet speed of 84.74 Mbps, this fast connectivity supports the country’s extensive online activities.
7. Nigeria: 122.5 million
Nigeria, Africa's largest information and communication technology (ICT) market, boasts 122.5 million users. With a strategic Broadband Plan in place for 2020–2025, Nigeria aims to significantly expand its internet coverage. As part of the plan, the government intends to provide at least 90% of its population with the internet by 2025. This includes offering data download speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas.
8. Japan: 102.5 million
Often regarded as a technological frontrunner, Japan has 102.5 million internet users. The country's advanced 4G infrastructure covers most of the population, affirming its status as a "country living in 2050."
9. Mexico: 100.6 million
Despite positioning ninth on the list sorting internet users by country, with just over 100 million users, Mexico’s internet coverage remains patchy in certain areas. While around 81.6% of the urban population has access to the internet, this is a luxury extended to just 56% of residents in rural areas.
10. Philippines: 85.16 million
Rounding out the ranking of internet users by country is the Philippines, with 85.16 million users. According to estimates from as recently as 2022, only one-third of households have access to fixed broadband, while 70% of residents have mobile plan subscriptions.