South Asia Population 2026

South Asia, as defined by the World Bank aggregate, is home to approximately 1.68 billion people as of 2025, making it one of the most densely populated regions on Earth. This figure represents the latest population estimate for the region, which includes countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and others.

Population
1,677,384,532
Estimate for 2026
1-year growth
+0.89%
10-year avg growth
+0.99%

Population Trend

Countries in South Asia

Population by decade for each country in this region. Darker cells = larger population.

Country1970198019902000201020202024
India545.9M687.4M865.0M1.06B1.24B1.40B1.45B
Bangladesh69.1M88.0M111.6M134.5M152.2M166.3M173.6M
Nepal12.4M15.6M19.5M24.5M27.3M29.0M29.7M
Sri Lanka12.3M14.8M16.4M19.3M20.9M21.9M21.9M
Bhutan309K433K589K597K702K770K792K
Maldives123K165K225K282K361K502K528K

Overview

The population of South Asia reached 1,677,384,532 in 2025, reflecting a 1-year growth rate of 0.89%. This moderate annual increase indicates a gradual slowdown in population expansion compared to previous decades, though the region continues to experience significant demographic momentum due to its large base. Over the past ten years, the average annual growth rate has been 0.99%, slightly higher than the 2025 single-year figure, suggesting a long-term trend of decelerating growth as fertility rates decline across many South Asian nations.

FAQ

What is the population of South Asia in 2025?
The population of South Asia in 2025 is 1,677,384,532 according to the latest World Bank aggregate data.
What is the population growth rate of South Asia?
The 1-year growth rate for South Asia in 2025 is 0.89%, and the 10-year average growth rate is 0.99%.
How does South Asia's population compare to previous years?
The region's population has been increasing, with a 10-year average annual growth rate of 0.99%, though the single-year rate of 0.89% in 2025 suggests a slight deceleration.
What countries are included in the South Asia World Bank aggregate?
The South Asia aggregate typically includes countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, though the exact list is not specified in the data provided.
What is the demographic trend in South Asia?
South Asia is experiencing slowing population growth, with a 1-year growth rate of 0.89% in 2025, down from a 10-year average of 0.99%, indicating a gradual transition to lower fertility rates.

Data sources & terms