26 facts
Since the early 2000s, Japan has had more registered pet cats and dogs than children under the age of 15. With one of the world's lowest birth rates and a pet-keeping culture deeply embedded in urban life, Japan's pet industry generates over 1.5 trillion yen annually. This demographic shift underscores Japan's broader aging and declining birth rate crisis.
Japan consistently leads the world in longevity. As of the early 2020s, Japan had over 90,000 centenarians — people aged 100 or older. Women outnumber men by about six to one among centenarians. Factors include diet (especially in Okinawa), strong social bonds, universal healthcare, and cultural attitudes toward aging.
From 1980 to 2015, China enforced a one-child policy to curb population growth, resulting in one of history's largest demographic engineering experiments. The policy prevented an estimated 400 million births. It created a skewed gender ratio due to preference for male children and led to a rapidly aging population. The policy was relaxed to two children in 2015 and three in 2021.
The People's Republic of China officially classifies its population into 56 ethnic groups. The Han Chinese make up approximately 91% of the population, with 55 recognized minority groups making up the rest. These minorities include the Zhuang, Hui, Manchu, Uyghur, Miao, and Tibetan peoples, each with distinct languages, customs, and histories.
With over 2 million people living in a territory of just 365 square kilometers, the Gaza Strip has one of the highest population densities in the world. This concentration of people is comparable to or even exceeds that of some major global cities.
With fewer than 600 permanent residents, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have one of the smallest populations of any inhabited territory in the world. This small community maintains a close-knit culture and unique way of life.
A significant portion of Chad's population is under the age of 15, making it one of the youngest countries globally. This demographic structure presents both opportunities for future growth and challenges for education and employment within the nation.
With a population of around 83,000 people, the islands boast one of the highest GDP per capita rates globally. This small workforce supports a sophisticated financial and tourism industry.
Despite being the second-largest country by land area, Canada has an average of only 4 people per square kilometer. This results in vast expanses of untouched wilderness and sparse urban centers.
A significant diaspora, primarily in the US, Europe, and other African countries, reflects centuries of emigration driven by drought and economic hardship. Remittances from abroad are a crucial part of the national economy.