What nation has the second highest population in the world?

The second highest population in the world is attributed to India. As of the latest estimates, China holds the position of the most populous nation with over 1.4 billion people, while India closely follows with a population that is also around 1.4 billion but is projected to surpass China in the near future. The demographic growth rate in India is higher than in China, contributing to its rapidly increasing population.

In contrast, the United States has a significantly smaller population, estimated at around 331 million, while Indonesia, the fourth most populous country, has approximately 270 million people. The demographic figures illustrate not only the current standings but also the trends in population growth, indicating India’s influential role on the global stage in terms of population.