The Asian community, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to global progress, is a vast and diverse group that crosses continents and cultures. Asians have shaped the course of human history through pioneering work in technology, the arts, science, and philosophy.
Nearly 60% of the global population, or 4.6 billion people, identify as Asian. This is a sizeable majority when compared to other ethnic groups such as the 2.1 billion Black people (27%), the 600-700 million White people (8-9%), and so on.
Although the majority of Asian populations live in Asia, there are also active communities in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. This article will identify the top 15 countries with the largest Asian populations worldwide.
Note: that most of these figures may vary depending on the source and criteria used.
15. Afghanistan
Afghanistan has a population of approximately 43 million people, with approximately 41 million Asians (95%), ranking it as the 15th largest Asian population in the world.
Located in South Asia, Afghanistan borders Pakistan, Iran, and Tajikistan, with a diverse cultural heritage influenced by various ethnic groups, including Pashtun and Tajik ethnic groups. Cities like Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat thrive, and the economy is driven by agriculture, mining, and trade.
Read more: 15 Countries with the Largest Black Populations Worldwide
14. Iraq
Iraq has a population of roughly 47 million people, with about 45 million Asian people (96%), making it the 14th nation with the largest Asian population worldwide.
Located in Western Asia, Iraq borders Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. The economy is dominated by oil production, agriculture, and manufacturing, and cities such as Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul are thriving.
13. South Korea
South Korea has a population of approximately 51.7 million people, with about 51.6 million Asian people (99%), making it the 13th nation with the largest Asian population worldwide. With a coastline that stretches along the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan, South Korea is situated in East Asia and shares a border with North Korea.
Technology, automobiles, and shipbuilding are the primary sources of economic activity in cities such as Busan, Daegu, and Seoul. South Korea is well-known for its vibrant culture, which includes K-pop, as well as for its technological and entertainment innovations.
12. Myanmar
Myanmar has a population of approximately 54.8 million people, of which 52.7 million are Asian (96%), making it the world’s 12th largest Asian population. Located in Southeast Asia, Myanmar borders China, India, and Thailand, with a coastline along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
Cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw thrive, and the economy is driven by agriculture, natural resources, and manufacturing. Myanmar is also well-known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes ancient temples and a diverse ethnic population.
11. Thailand
Thailand has a population of approximately 71.6 million people, with about 70.9 million Asian people (99%), making it the 11th nation with the largest Asian population worldwide. In addition, Thailand is also located in Southeast Asia, bordering Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, and has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.
Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket thrive, contributing to the economy, which is driven by tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Thailand is well-known for its mouthwatering food, stunning beaches, and lively culture.
10. Turkey
Turkey has a population of approximately 87.7 million people, with about 73.5 million Asian people (84%), making it the 10th nation with the largest Asian population worldwide.
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey borders Greece, Bulgaria, and Georgia, with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, and Black Sea. Cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir thrive, and the economy is driven by textiles, automotive, and tourism. Turkey is renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich history.
9. Iran
Iran has a population of approximately 92.4 million people, with 89.1 million Asians (96%), ranking as the world’s 9th largest Asian population. Located in Western Asia, Iran borders Turkey, Iraq, and Afghanistan, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by ancient civilizations like Persia. Cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan thrive, and the economy is driven by oil production, agriculture, and manufacturing.
8. Vietnam
Vietnam has a population of approximately 101.6 million people, with about 99.8 million Asian people (98%), making it the 8th nation with the largest Asian population worldwide. Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam borders China, Laos, and Cambodia, with a coastline along the South China Sea. Cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are thriving, with manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism driving the economy.
7. Philippines
The Philippines has a population of approximately 116.7 million people, with about 114.3 million Asian people (98%), making it the 7th nation with the largest Asian population worldwide.
Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean that has a cultural heritage that is influenced by Spanish and American colonization. The Philippines is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and rich history. Cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao thrive, with manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism driving the economy forward.
6. Japan
Japan has a population of approximately 123.1 million people, with 122.3 million Asians (99%), making it the world’s 6th largest Asian country. Located in East Asia, Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, with a rich cultural heritage and technological advancements. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya thrive, and the economy is driven by technology, automobiles, and manufacturing.
5. Bangladesh
Bangladesh has a population of approximately 175.6 million people, with about 173.5 million Asian people (99%), making it the 5th nation with the largest Asian population worldwide. Located in South Asia, Bangladesh borders India and Myanmar, with a coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet thrive, and the economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and remittances.
4. Pakistan
Pakistan has a population of approximately 255.2 million people, with about 245.4 million Asian people (96%), making it the 4th nation with the largest Asian population worldwide. Located in South Asia, Pakistan borders India, China, and Afghanistan, with a diverse cultural heritage influenced by ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley. Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad thrive, and the economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and textiles.
3. Indonesia
Indonesia has a population of approximately 285.7 million people, of which approximately 280 million are Asian (98%), making it the world’s 3rd largest Asian population. Located in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, with a diverse cultural heritage and natural resources. Cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung thrive, and the economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and mining.
2. China
China has a population of approximately 1.4 billion people, of which 1.3 billion are Asian (98%), making it the world’s 2nd largest Asian population. Located in East Asia, China borders India, Russia, and North Korea, with a rich cultural heritage and rapid economic growth. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen thrive, and the economy is based on manufacturing, technology, and exports.
1. India
India has a population of approximately 1.4 billion people, with 1.4 billion of them being Asian (99%), making it the country with the largest Asian population globally. They are also located in South Asia and shares borders with Pakistan, China, and Nepal.
India is known for its rich cultural heritage and rapid economic growth. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore thrive, and the economy relies on technology, manufacturing, and services.
References
- Afghanistan Central Statistics Organization. (2022). Population. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.cso.gov.af/
- Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from http://www.bbs.gov.bd/
- Badan Pusat Statistik. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.bps.go.id/
- CIA World Factbook. (2022). Country profiles. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
- General Statistics Office of Vietnam. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.nso.gov.vn/en/homepage/
- India Census Bureau. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://censusindia.gov.in/
- International Monetary Fund. (2022). World Economic Outlook. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO
- National Bureau of Statistics of China. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from http://www.stats.gov.cn/
- National Statistical Office of Thailand. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from http://www.nso.go.th/
- Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.pbs.gov.pk/
- Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://psa.gov.ph/
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- Statistical Center of Iran. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.amar.org.ir/
- Turkish Statistical Institute. (2022). Population and Housing Census. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.turkstat.gov.tr/
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