Fact Check: "China has the largest population of any country in the world."
What We Know
The claim that "China has the largest population of any country in the world" was historically accurate. As of 2025, however, this statement is no longer true. According to Worldometer, as of 2025, India has surpassed China as the most populous country, with a population of approximately 1.46 billion compared to China's 1.41 billion. This demographic shift has been anticipated for several years, with projections indicating that India would overtake China due to its higher growth rate and younger population demographics (Population Stat).
Historically, China's population was reported to be around 1.36 billion as of September 2013, and it has seen significant growth since then (China Population 2025). However, the population growth rate in China has slowed considerably, leading to the current situation where India now holds the title of the most populous nation.
Analysis
The reliability of the sources used to evaluate this claim varies. The data from Worldometer and Population Stat are based on estimates from the United Nations Population Division and are widely recognized for their accuracy in demographic statistics. In contrast, the information from YouTube sources does not provide any substantial data or context regarding population figures and should not be considered credible for this fact-check.
The transition of population dominance from China to India is supported by demographic research and projections, which have indicated that China's population growth would eventually plateau due to various factors, including an aging population and declining birth rates (China Population 2025). This demographic trend has been corroborated by multiple studies and reports, making the evidence for India's current population status robust.
Conclusion
The claim that "China has the largest population of any country in the world" is Partially True. While this statement was accurate for many years, as of 2025, India has officially surpassed China in population size. The claim is thus outdated and reflects a significant demographic shift that has occurred in recent years.
