All around the world, the internet continues to transform how we connect with others, organize the flow of things, and share information. With its growing influence on individual consumers and large economies alike, the internet has become a vital part of our day-to-day lives. In 2023, the number of internet users worldwide stood at 5.3 billion, which means that around two thirds of the global population is currently connected to the world wide web.
Online populations around the world
As of 2023, China remains the leading market by the number of internet users in the world, followed by India and the United States. Overall, East Asia is the region with the highest number of internet users worldwide, whereas Northern Europe has the highest internet penetration rate.
Despite having the most extensive online population, China’s online penetration rate is still relatively low at 74.9 percent, compared with countries like Saudi Arabia, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates, whose internet penetration rates are approaching 100 percent. This setback can be explained by the slow progress of digital infrastructures in remote regions – an obstacle still visible in many parts of the world.
Internet connectivity
While the digital population is visibly growing in many parts of the world, internet access and availability can differ significantly depending on the region. There are still countries and regions where internet access remains notably lower global average. As of 2022, Africa had the lowest fixed broadband subscriptions among other regions, with Asia and the Pacific representing the highest number.
As of April 2023, the North Korean population remained almost entirely offline, as the internet access for the general public is heavily restricted by the government and only permitted with special authorization. South Sudan and Somalia had the highest share of people not connected to the internet, around 93 and 90 percent, respectively.
Governments all around the world often use the internet to control the communication volume among citizens by simply shutting it down or banning certain online platforms or services. Communication platforms and social media are particularly affected by such restrictions. In 2022, China ranked first by the number of individuals impacted by internet shutdowns.
Mobile devices accelerate digital connections
While global internet access is increasing steadily, connection quality is superior in countries with developed infrastructures. As of 2022, Singapore had the fastest average fixed broadband internet worldwide. Mobile internet has become increasingly widespread and popular over the past few years, as smartphones are more readily available and affordable than ever. As internet users gradually switch to mobile devices to browse the web on the go, mobile internet now accounts for almost 59 percent of total web traffic worldwide.
Regarding mobile broadband subscriptions, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Arab States lacked behind other global regions.
Global internet user demographics
As of April 2023, around 67 percent of the male population in the world was using the internet, compared to only 61.8 percent of women. This disparity is seen in almost all regions across the world but more so in the least developed countries (LDCs). As of 2022, the online usage rate was higher among individuals between 15 and 24 years than among the older generations in all regions worldwide. 209101 Similar dynamics are seen in the average time spent online among different age groups, as 16-34-year olds spent on average seven hours online daily. In comparison, individuals between 45 and 54 years only spent around five hours and fifty minutes using the internet per day. 1378510Among the most common reasons for going online across all age groups were finding information, contacting friends and family, and watching videos and shows. 1387376 Users aged 55 to 64 also stated following news and events as their primary intention of using the web.
Global internet user demographics
As of April 2023, around 67 percent of the male population in the world was using the internet, compared to only 61.8 percent of women. This disparity is seen in almost all regions across the world but more so in the least developed countries (LDCs).
As of 2022, the online usage rate was higher among individuals between 15 and 24 years than among the older generations in all regions worldwide. Similar dynamics are seen in the average time spent online among different age groups, as 16-34-year olds spent on average seven hours online Daily. In comparison, individuals between 45 and 54 years only spent around five hours and fifty minutes using the internet.
Among the most common reasons for going online across all age groups were finding information, contacting friends and family, and watching videos and shows. Users aged 55 to 64 also stated following news and events as their primary intention of using the web.
User attitudes toward the internet and online privacy
As of 2022, almost seven in ten internet users in Brazil highlighted the importance of mobile internet access anywhere at any time. In the United States, 44 percent said they could no longer imagine their life without the internet. Roughly 40 percent of users in Germany were certain about being well protected against viruses and data abuse. In Japan, however, 42 percent were concerned about their data being misused on the internet.
Despite privacy concerns, 63 percent of global internet users preferred risk-containing online experiences over convenience. At the same time, seven in ten internet users were taking various steps to protect their digital identity.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
