25 Countries With The Highest Number of Internet Users in 2024
In this report, we will discuss the 25 countries with the highest number of internet users in 2024. If you would like to skip the detailed discussion, you can go directly to the top 10 Countries With The Highest Number of Internet Users in 2024.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
According to the Internet World Stats‘s 2023 data, 67.9% of the world’s population, which amounts to nearly 5.4 billion people, actively use the Internet. This reflects progress towards achieving SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). The annual increase of 4% in internet users also contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating job opportunities and fostering economic growth.
However, there is a significant digital disparity between high-income and low-income countries. In high-income countries, nine out of ten people use the internet, while in low-income countries, only 27% of the population has access to the internet. This gap reflects the need to address SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and bridge the digital divide.
The internet plays a crucial role in spreading awareness and reducing inequality. It provides access to information, education, and global news, allowing individuals from developing countries to participate in online conversations. This connectivity and involvement on a global scale contribute to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting informed and inclusive societies.
However, there are still barriers to internet access in certain countries. For example, in North Korea, internet use is illegal for the general public, and only a few elites have access to it. This restriction limits citizens’ knowledge of world events and hinders their participation in global conversations. Overcoming such barriers is essential for achieving SDG 16 and ensuring equal access to information for all.
Key Players in Advancing Internet Accessibility
Several companies are actively investing in projects to make the internet more accessible for all. Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), and AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) are among these key players.
Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) has committed a $1 billion investment in Project UP, aiming to advance digital equity and increase internet accessibility for millions of people. This initiative aligns with SDG 9 and SDG 4 by promoting innovation and providing quality education opportunities.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is undergoing a network transformation to introduce 5G service and expand internet availability. This investment contributes to SDG 9 and SDG 8 by improving infrastructure and fostering economic growth.
AT&T Inc (NYSE:T), the largest wireless network carrier in the United States, is actively involved in enhancing its network infrastructure. Through various projects, AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) aims to improve internet connectivity, expanding access to SDG 9 and SDG 8.
25 Countries With Highest Number of Internet Users in 2024
25. Argentina
Number of Internet Users (2021 estimates): 39,150,000
Argentina has approximately 39,150,000 internet users. The country is investing in improving its internet infrastructure, particularly fiber optic networks, to increase accessibility and speed.
24. South Africa
Number of Internet Users (2021 estimates): 42,480,000
South Africa has about 42,480,000 internet users. The country’s internet is affordable and provides relatively high speeds compared to other African countries.
23. Spain
Number of Internet Users (2021 estimates): 44,180,000
Spain has approximately 44,180,000 internet users. The country is known for its advanced fiber broadband infrastructure and high internet penetration rates.
22. Italy
Number of Internet Users (2021 estimates): 44,250,000
Italy has around 44,250,000 internet users, representing a significant portion of its population. The country has a well-developed internet infrastructure, including broadband, wireless, and fiber optic connections.
21. Pakistan
Number of Internet Users (2021 estimates): 48,300,000
Pakistan has seen impressive growth in its internet infrastructure, with approximately 48,300,000 internet users. The country’s increased reliance on online operations during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to this growth.
20. South Korea
Number of Internet Users (2021 estimates): 50,960,000
South Korea is one of the most advanced countries in terms of internet connectivity. With about 50,960,000 internet users, the entire country is well-connected, and it boasts high average internet speeds.
19. France
Number of Internet Users (2021 estimates): 55,900,000
France has approximately 55,900,000 internet users. The country has made significant progress in its high-speed internet plan, aiming to provide fast connection times for all residents by 2025.
18. Philippines
Number of Internet Users (2021 estimates): 58,300,000
The Philippines has about 58,300,000 internet users, representing a significant portion of its population. However, there is still a need to improve internet connectivity across the country to ensure broader access.
17. Thailand
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
- Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
- Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
- Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
- Indicator 5.b.1: Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex.
- Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita.
- Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists, and human rights advocates in the previous 12 months.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women. | Indicator 5.b.1: Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries. | Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020. | Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. | Indicator 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists, and human rights advocates in the previous 12 months. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: finance.yahoo.com
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