As the largest continent on Earth, Asia is home to over 4.5 billion people, accounting for more than half of the world’s population. Within Asia, there are several countries that stand out for their sheer size and influence, including China, India, and Japan. But which Asian country has the third highest population? This question may not be as straightforward as it seems, as there are several contenders for the title of third most populous country in Asia.
Top 3 most populous Asian countries
Before we delve into the specifics of which country has the third highest population in Asia, let’s take a look at the top two. Unsurprisingly, China takes the top spot with a population of nearly 1.4 billion, while India follows closely behind with over 1.3 billion people. These two countries alone account for roughly 36% of the world’s population.
The first and second most populous
China has held the title as the world’s most populous country for several decades, but India is projected to surpass it in the coming years. Both countries have experienced rapid population growth in recent decades, although China’s one-child policy has slowed down its growth rate in recent years. Despite these efforts, China is still projected to have a larger population than India until around 2027.
What is the population of the third?
So, who comes in third when it comes to the most populous countries in Asia? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. While there are several countries that could potentially take the third spot, the exact ranking can vary depending on the source. However, according to data from the World Bank, Japan is currently the third most populous country in Asia, with a population of over 126 million people.
India and China: the giants of Asia
It’s worth noting that the gap between the first two countries and the rest of Asia is quite significant, as China and India each have more than four times the population of Japan. These two countries also have a significant impact on the global economy, with China being the world’s second largest economy and India ranking sixth.
Who comes in third?
As mentioned before, the answer to this question can vary depending on the source. Some sources may list Indonesia as the third most populous country in Asia, while others may cite Pakistan or Bangladesh.
The contenders
Let’s take a closer look at some of the countries that could potentially take the third spot. Indonesia, for example, has a population of over 270 million people, making it the world’s fourth most populous country overall. Pakistan and Bangladesh are also significant contenders, with populations of over 220 million and 160 million respectively.
Is it Japan?
While some may argue that Japan’s aging population and low birth rate disqualify it from the title of third most populous country in Asia, it still holds the spot according to the World Bank’s data.
How about Indonesia?
Indonesia, on the other hand, has a rapidly growing population and could potentially surpass Japan in the coming years. Its large size and rapidly expanding economy make it an important player in the region.
Pakistan and Bangladesh: possibilities
Pakistan and Bangladesh are also worth mentioning, as they have some of the highest population growth rates in the world. Both countries are projected to surpass Japan in population in the coming decades, although it remains to be seen exactly when this will happen.
The answer: third highest population in Asia
So, which Asian country has the third highest population? While there are several contenders, Japan currently holds the spot with a population of over 126 million people. However, this ranking could change in the coming years as other countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh continue to experience population growth.
Conclusion
While China and India may dominate the top two spots as the most populous countries in Asia, there are several other countries in the region that shouldn’t be overlooked. Japan may currently hold the title of third most populous, but Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are all significant contenders. As these countries continue to grow and develop, it will be interesting to see how their populations change and how this impacts the region as a whole.
