East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD) Population 2026

As of 2025, the population of the East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD) region is estimated at 2,114,653,077. This vast aggregate, comprising both International Development Association and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development member countries, reflects a moderate growth trajectory. The region remains one of the most populous in the world, driven by large nations such as China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Population
2,114,653,077
Estimate for 2026
1-year growth
+0.17%
10-year avg growth
+0.48%

Population Trend

Overview

The East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD) region encompasses a diverse set of economies, from highly industrialized nations to developing states. Its population of approximately 2.11 billion in 2025 accounts for a significant share of the global total. The 1-year growth rate of 0.17% indicates a near-stagnant increase in the short term, consistent with demographic transitions seen in several key countries where birth rates have fallen substantially. Over the past decade, the region has experienced an average annual growth rate of 0.48%, which reflects a gradual slowdown compared to previous periods of rapid expansion.

This deceleration is largely attributable to aging populations in East Asian economies like Japan and South Korea, as well as China's recent population decline. Meanwhile, Pacific island nations and certain Southeast Asian countries continue to grow at faster rates, though their smaller populations have limited impact on the aggregate figure. The region also faces challenges related to urbanization, with a majority of the population now residing in cities, placing pressure on infrastructure and housing.

Despite the slowed growth, East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD) remains a demographic powerhouse with a large working-age cohort in many of its developing economies. This provides both opportunities for labor-driven economic growth and challenges in creating sufficient employment. Migration patterns within the region, such as labor flows from Myanmar and Cambodia to Thailand, further shape the demographic landscape.

Environmental factors, including climate change impacts on coastal populations and natural disasters, also influence population dynamics. The region's immense population size means that even small growth rates translate into substantial absolute increases, underscoring its importance in global demographic and economic trends.

FAQ

What is the population of East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD) in 2025?
The population is 2,114,653,077 as of 2025.
How fast is the East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD) region growing?
The region grew by 0.17% in the latest year, with a 10-year average growth rate of 0.48%.
Which countries are included in East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD)?
This World Bank aggregate includes countries in East Asia and the Pacific that are members of the IDA and/or IBRD, such as China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and many Pacific island nations.
Why is the population growth rate so low in East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD)?
The low growth rate is primarily due to declining fertility rates and aging populations in major economies like China, Japan, and South Korea, which offset faster growth in smaller nations.
What is the 10-year average population growth for East Asia & Pacific (IDA & IBRD)?
The 10-year average annual growth rate is 0.48%, calculated from 2015 to 2025.

Data sources & terms