Lists of the most populated countries are bound to change as the populace grows. For this reason, the dates for the population estimates are given here.
The Top Ten
Number one is the People's Republic of China. As of December 22, 2010, it has an estimated population of 1,341,320,000. Number two is India. Its population has been estimated at 1,191,770,000. The United States is at number three. Its population has been estimated at 310,957,000. Both US and Indian population estimates are as of December 22, 2010.
Number four is Indonesia with a population of 237,556,363 (May 2010). Number five is Brazil with a population of 190,732,694 (August 1, 2010)
Number six in the list of the most populated countries is Pakistan. As of December 22, 2010, its population has been estimated to be 171,374,000. The African country of Nigeria is at number 7. 2010 estimates put the population at 158,259,000. Bangladesh is at number eight. The population has been put at 149,721,000 (December 22, 2010).
The number 9 spot belongs to Russia. The January 1, 2010 population estimate puts the figure at 141,927,297. At number ten is Japan. The population has been estimated to be 127,390,000, as of November 1, 2010.
Most Populated Nations: 11 to 20
Number 11 is Mexico. As of November 1, 2010, the population has been pegged at 127,390,000. The Philippines is at number 12. The mid-2010 population estimates have the population at 94,013,200. At number 13 is Vietnam with a population of 85,846,997 (April 1, 2009).
Germany is at number 14 with a population of 81,802,000. This is as of December 31, 2009. Egypt is at the number 15th slot. Its population as of December 22, 2010 is 79,497,000. Ethiopia is number 16. The 2010 population estimate is 79,455,634.
Iran is at number 17. 2010 estimates put the population at 75,078,000. Turkey is the 18th most populated nation. The population has been put at 72,561,312 (December 31, 2009).
The Dem. Rep. of Congo is at number 19. The population is at 67,827,000 (2010). Thailand is at number 20. As of December 1, 2009, the population is at 67,070,000.
Notes
Antarctica does not have any year round residents. However, research stations are maintained there. Usually, a thousand people are there in wintertime. The number rises to 5,000 in the summer.
As stated, this list of the most populated countries has only approximate figures. This is understandable, because people are always on the go.