North America Population 2026: Total Population, Growth & Country Rankings

North America’s population is estimated at approximately 617 million people, making it the fourth-most populous continent in the world, after Asia, Africa, and Europe.

With a global population of about 8.23 billion, North America accounts for roughly 7.5% of the world’s population and remains one of the most economically developed world regions.

Total population of North America

The total population of the North American continent includes Central America and the Caribbean, which are both geographic subregions of North America.

• Estimated population: ~617,311,000 (2025 estimate)
• Share of world population: ~7.5%
• Population density: ~21 people per square kilometer
• Growth rate: ~0.6% per annum

North America experienced strong population growth throughout much of the 20th century, driven by high fertility in earlier decades and large-scale immigration.

In recent years, growth has slowed as fertility rates declined, particularly in the United States and Canada, making migration the primary driver of population increase.

Most populous countries in North America

A small number of countries account for the vast majority of North America’s population.

The United States is by far the most populous country in North America and the third-most populous country in the world, with a small number of states accounting for a large share of the national total.

Mexico is the second-most populous country in North America and continues to grow primarily through natural increase, with births significantly outnumbering deaths.

Canada ranks third in North America, with population growth driven almost entirely by immigration rather than natural population growth.

Together, these three countries account for approximately 84% of North America’s total population.

Least populous countries in North America

At the opposite end of the scale are several small island nations and territories, particularly in the Caribbean.

Among sovereign states, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica have the smallest populations in North America.

Several overseas territories, including Montserrat and Saint Pierre and Miquelon, have populations well below 20,000.

North American population by country

The table below ranks North American countries and selected territories by total population, from largest to smallest.

Population figures are based on the most consistent international estimates from the World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report and may vary slightly between sources.

Population growth in North America

North America’s population growth rate is lower than Africa’s and parts of Asia but higher than Europe’s.

Key factors shaping population growth in North America include:

• Very low fertility rates in the United States and Canada
• Continued population growth in Mexico and parts of Central America
• High levels of immigration, particularly to the United States and Canada
• Slowing or negative natural population growth in several Caribbean nations

While fertility rates remain below replacement in most countries, immigration continues to sustain overall population growth across much of the continent.

Population density across North America

Despite its large population, North America remains sparsely populated by global standards, with an average population density of around 21 people per square kilometer.

Densities reach several hundred people per square kilometer along the United States’ Northeast Corridor, exceed 700 per square kilometer in parts of central Mexico, and rise into the thousands per square kilometer in major metropolitan areas such as Mexico City, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Much of the continent’s population is concentrated in urban and coastal regions, with extensive interior and northern areas remaining lightly populated.

North America in global population context

North America represents a modest share of the global population, with demographic trends increasingly shaped by migration rather than natural population growth.

While population growth has slowed since the late 20th century, North America’s large urban populations, economic influence, and continued inward migration ensure that the continent remains a major demographic and geopolitical force.

For a broader perspective, see:

• Largest countries in North America by area
• List of countries by population