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Last updated September 18, 2024
The Internet, a revolutionary tool of the modern era, has dramatically transformed the way we communicate, learn, and make decisions. As of 2023, a robust 69% of global citizens, equating to approximately 4.9 billion people, are active internet users. This digital engagement continues to rise annually, as around 196 million new users join the internet each year. Despite this clear global embrace of the digital world, a significant proportion of the earth remains disconnected, with no means to access the internet. Notably, a majority of these individuals reside in Africa, demonstrating a stark digital divide which presents both challenges and opportunities.
Topping the list of countries with the most internet users is China, with an impressive 1 billion users. This is perhaps unsurprising given the country's massive population and ever-growing digital economy. This is almost one fifth of the aggregate total number of internet users globally. Next in the line-up is India with a user base of 833.7 million. Despite the country's large population base, a significant segment of the population still remains offline. However, initiatives aimed at bringing internet connectivity to rural and remote areas of India are incrementally working to bridge this digital divide. In the third position is the United States, home to 312.3 million internet users. This represents a nearly universal internet access amongst its inhabitants, which is undeniably reflective of its advanced digital infrastructure and the integral role of technology in everyday American life. Following the United States is Indonesia boasting 212.4 million, and Brazil with 178.1 million internet users. Nigeria leads the African continent with an Internet user base of 154.3 million—a figure which, while substantial, underscores the "digital divide" with other regions of the world given Africa's large population. Rounding out the top ten are Bangladesh (129.2 million), Russia (124.6 million), Japan (118.6 million) and Pakistan (116 million). Countries with Most Internet Users: