As of January 2024, there were 5.35 billion internet users worldwide, representing 66.2% of the global population. Of this number, 5.04 billion, or 62.3% of the world's population, were social media users.
Global Internet Usage
Connecting billions of people across the globe, the internet is a cornerstone of modern information society. Northern Europe ranked first among regions worldwide based on the number of internet users in 2023. In Norway, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, 99% of the population used the internet as of April 2023. North Korea, conversely, sits at the opposite end of the spectrum, with virtually no internet penetration among the general public, ranking last worldwide.
Asia is home to the largest number of online users globally – over 2.93 billion by the latest count. Europe ranks second with around 750 million internet users. China, India, and the United States top the list compared to other countries in the world in terms of the number of internet users.
Demographics of Internet Users Worldwide
In 2022, the number of female internet users worldwide was 63%, six percentage points lower than males. The gender gap in internet usage was larger in Arab and African countries, with a difference of around ten percentage points. Regions worldwide, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe, showed smaller gender gaps. In 2022, global internet usage was higher among individuals aged 15 to 24 across all regions, with young people in Europe representing the most significant usage penetration at 98%. In comparison, the average for the 15-24 age group worldwide was 75%. A country's income level is also a major factor in internet access, as 92% of the population in high-income countries reported using the internet, compared to only 26% in low-income countries.
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