As of 2024, the estimated number of internet users worldwide was 5.5 billion, up from 5.3 billion in the previous year. This share represents 68 percent of the global population. Internet access around the world Easier access to computers, the modernization of countries worldwide, and increased utilization of smartphones have allowed people to use the internet more frequently and conveniently. However, internet penetration often pertains to the current state of development regarding communications networks. As of January 2023, there were approximately 1.05 billion total internet users in China and 692 million total internet users in the United States. Online activities Social networking is one of the most popular online activities worldwide, and Facebook is the most popular online network based on active usage. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, there were over 3.07 billion monthly active Facebook users, accounting for well more than half of the internet users worldwide. Connecting with family and friends, expressing opinions, entertainment, and online shopping are amongst the most popular reasons for internet usage.

Dataset Overview

This dataset provides a comprehensive overview of internet usage across countries as of 2024. It includes data on the percentage of the population using the internet, sourced from multiple organizations such as the World Bank (WB), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the CIA. The dataset covers all United Nations member states, excluding North Korea, and provides insights into internet penetration rates, user counts, and trends over recent years. The data is derived from household surveys and internet subscription statistics, offering a reliable snapshot of global digital connectivity.

Data Science Applications

This dataset can be used in various data science applications, including: - Digital Divide Analysis: Evaluate disparities in internet access between developed and developing nations. - Trend Analysis: Study the growth of internet penetration over time across different regions. - Policy Recommendations: Assist policymakers in identifying underserved areas and strategizing for improved connectivity. - Market Research: Help businesses identify potential markets for digital products or services. - Correlation Studies: Analyze relationships between internet penetration and socioeconomic indicators like GDP, education levels, or urbanization.

Column Descriptors

The dataset contains the following columns: 1. Location: Country or region name. 2. Rate (WB): Percentage of the population using the internet (World Bank data). 3. Year (WB): Year corresponding to the World Bank data. 4. Rate (ITU): Percentage of the population using the internet (ITU data). 5. Year (ITU): Year corresponding to the ITU data. 6. Users (CIA): Estimated number of internet users in absolute terms (CIA data). 7. Year (CIA): Year corresponding to the CIA data. 8. Notes: Additional notes or observations about specific entries.

Ethically Mined Data

The data has been sourced from publicly available and reputable organizations such as the World Bank, ITU, and CIA. These sources ensure transparency and ethical collection methods through household surveys and official statistics. The dataset excludes North Korea due to limited reliable information on its internet usage.

Acknowledgements

This dataset is based on information compiled from: - World Bank - International Telecommunication Union - CIA World Factbook - Wikipedia's "List of countries by number of Internet users" page

Special thanks to these organizations for providing open access to this valuable information, enabling deeper insights into global digital connectivity trends.

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_number_of_Internet_users [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_number_of_Internet_users

Context :

This dataset provides an overview of global internet users by country between 2021 and 2024, derived from the Wikipedia page "List of countries by number of Internet users." The data includes the total number of internet users in each country, the percentage of the population using the internet, and the population of each country as of 2021. The data was collected from reliable sources like household surveys and internet subscription statistics, providing valuable insights into global connectivity trends.

This dataset can be used to explore digital penetration rates, compare internet adoption by region, and analyze how internet usage has evolved across countries over time. The motivation behind this dataset is to contribute to research on digital inclusion and global technology access.

This dataset provides a comprehensive overview of global internet usage as of 2024. It includes the number of internet users in each country, the percentage of the population with internet access, and the total internet traffic generated. This dataset can be used to analyze trends in internet adoption, digital inequality, and the potential impact of the internet on various sectors of the global economy.

Germany DE: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 93.500 % in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 92.500 % for 2023. Germany DE: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 75.200 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2024, with 35 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 93.500 % in 2024 and a record low of 0.126 % in 1990. Germany DE: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.;International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database;Weighted average;Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

How many people use social media?

              Social media usage is one of the most popular online activities. In 2024, over five billion people were using social media worldwide, a number projected to increase to over six billion in 2028.

              Who uses social media?
              Social networking is one of the most popular digital activities worldwide and it is no surprise that social networking penetration across all regions is constantly increasing. As of January 2023, the global social media usage rate stood at 59 percent. This figure is anticipated to grow as lesser developed digital markets catch up with other regions
              when it comes to infrastructure development and the availability of cheap mobile devices. In fact, most of social media’s global growth is driven by the increasing usage of mobile devices. Mobile-first market Eastern Asia topped the global ranking of mobile social networking penetration, followed by established digital powerhouses such as the Americas and Northern Europe.

              How much time do people spend on social media?
              Social media is an integral part of daily internet usage. On average, internet users spend 151 minutes per day on social media and messaging apps, an increase of 40 minutes since 2015. On average, internet users in Latin America had the highest average time spent per day on social media.

              What are the most popular social media platforms?
              Market leader Facebook was the first social network to surpass one billion registered accounts and currently boasts approximately 2.9 billion monthly active users, making it the most popular social network worldwide. In June 2023, the top social media apps in the Apple App Store included mobile messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram Messenger, as well as the ever-popular app version of Facebook.

Iran IR: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 60.416 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 53.227 % for 2016. Iran IR: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 8.100 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 60.416 % in 2017 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1990. Iran IR: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Iran – Table IR.World Bank: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.; ; International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database.; Weighted average; Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Denmark DK: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 97.099 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 96.968 % for 2016. Denmark DK: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 78.595 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 97.099 % in 2017 and a record low of 0.097 % in 1990. Denmark DK: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Denmark – Table DK.World Bank: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.; ; International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database.; Weighted average; Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Belgium BE: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 94.600 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 94.000 % for 2022. Belgium BE: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 64.400 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2023, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 94.600 % in 2023 and a record low of 0.001 % in 1990. Belgium BE: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Belgium – Table BE.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.;International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database;Weighted average;Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Turkey TR: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 64.685 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 58.348 % for 2016. Turkey TR: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 15.020 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 64.685 % in 2017 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1990. Turkey TR: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Turkey – Table TR.World Bank: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.; ; International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database.; Weighted average; Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Ivory Coast CI: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 26.527 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 21.885 % for 2015. Ivory Coast CI: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 1.039 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 23 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 26.527 % in 2016 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1990. Ivory Coast CI: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ivory Coast – Table CI.World Bank: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.; ; International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database.; Weighted average; Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

The number of internet users in the United States was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 13.5 million users (+4.16 percent). After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the number of users is estimated to reach 337.67 million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of internet users of was continuously increasing over the past years.Depicted is the estimated number of individuals in the country or region at hand, that use the internet. As the datasource clarifies, connection quality and usage frequency are distinct aspects, not taken into account here.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

Czech Republic CZ: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 84.540 % in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 82.671 % for 2021. Czech Republic CZ: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 47.930 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 84.540 % in 2022 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1992. Czech Republic CZ: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Czech Republic – Table CZ.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.;International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database;Weighted average;Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Virgin Islands (British) VG: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 77.700 % in 2017. This stayed constant from the previous number of 77.700 % for 2016. Virgin Islands (British) VG: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 37.200 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 77.700 % in 2017 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1990. Virgin Islands (British) VG: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Virgin Islands (British) – Table VG.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.;International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database;Weighted average;Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Egypt EG: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 44.950 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 41.248 % for 2016. Egypt EG: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 12.335 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 44.950 % in 2017 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1990. Egypt EG: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Egypt – Table EG.World Bank: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.; ; International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database.; Weighted average; Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Algeria DZ: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 70.770 % in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 63.950 % for 2020. Algeria DZ: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 6.610 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2021, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 70.770 % in 2021 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1993. Algeria DZ: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Algeria – Table DZ.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.;International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database;Weighted average;Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Central African Republic CF: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 10.583 % in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 8.566 % for 2020. Central African Republic CF: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 0.290 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2021, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.583 % in 2021 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1995. Central African Republic CF: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Central African Republic – Table CF.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.;International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database;Weighted average;Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Colombia CO: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 73.028 % in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 70.850 % for 2020. Colombia CO: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 13.174 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2021, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 73.028 % in 2021 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1993. Colombia CO: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Colombia – Table CO.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.;International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database;Weighted average;Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Australia Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 97.100 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 97.000 % for 2022. Australia Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 71.700 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2023, with 31 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 97.100 % in 2023 and a record low of 0.585 % in 1990. Australia Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.;International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database;Weighted average;Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

Internet users (per 100 people) Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 12 months. Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.

SourceInternational Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database, and World Bank estimates. License Open Aggregation Method: Weighted average Development Relevance: The digital and information revolution has changed the way the world learns, communicates, does business, and treats illnesses. New information and communications technologies (ICT) offer vast opportunities for progress in all walks of life in all countries - opportunities for economic growth, improved health, better service delivery, learning through distance education, and social and cultural advances. Today's smartphones and tablets have computer power equivalent to that of yesterday's computers and provide a similar range of functions. Device convergence is thus rendering the conventional definition obsolete. Comparable statistics on access, use, quality, and affordability of ICT are needed to formulate growth-enabling policies for the sector and to monitor and evaluate the sector's impact on development. Although basic access data are available for many countries, in most developing countries little is known about who uses ICT; what they are used for (school, work, business, research, government); and how they affect people and businesses. The global Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development is helping to set standards, harmonize information and communications technology statistics, and build statistical capacity in developing countries. However, despite significant improvements in the developing world, the gap between the ICT haves and have-nots remains. General Comments: Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data. Limitations and Exceptions: Operators have traditionally been the main source of telecommunications data, so information on subscriptions has been widely available for most countries. This gives a general idea of access, but a more precise measure is the penetration rate - the share of households with access to telecommunications. During the past few years more information on information and communication technology use has become available from household and business surveys. Also important are data on actual use of telecommunications services. Ideally, statistics on telecommunications (and other information and communications technologies) should be compiled for all three measures: subscriptions, access, and use. The quality of data varies among reporting countries as a result of differences in regulations covering data provision and availability. Discrepancies may also arise in cases where the end of a fiscal year differs from that used by ITU, which is the end of December of every year. A number of countries have fiscal years that end in March or June of every year. Periodicity: Annual Statistical Concept and Methodology: The Internet is a world-wide public computer network. It provides access to a number of communication services including the World Wide Web and carries email, news, entertainment and data files, irrespective of the device used (not assumed to be only via a computer - it may also be by mobile phone, PDA, games machine, digital TV etc.). Access can be via a fixed or mobile network.

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