Internet usage worldwide - statistics & facts
The internet continues to transform how we connect with others, organize the flow of information, and share opinions. With its growing influence on individual consumers and large economies alike, the internet has become a vital part of our day-to-day lives. As of April 2026, the number of internet users worldwide stood at 6.12 billion, which means that nearly three-quarters of the global population is currently connected to the world wide web.
Where the world's online populations cluster
As of April 2026, China remained the leading market by the number of internet users in the world, followed by India and the United States. Northern Europe had the highest internet penetration rate. Despite having the most extensive online population, China's online penetration rate stood at around 92 percent, compared with countries like Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland, whose internet penetration rates reached 99 percent. This gap can be explained by the slow progress of digital infrastructures in remote regions - an obstacle still visible in many parts of the world.
Broadband divides and offline populations
While the digital population is visibly growing in many parts of the world, internet access and availability can differ significantly depending on the region. There are still countries and regions where internet access remains notably lower than the global average. As of 2025, Africa had the lowest fixed broadband subscriptions among other regions, with Asia and the Pacific representing the highest number. As of April 2026, the North Korean population remained almost entirely offline, as internet access for the general public is heavily restricted by the government and only permitted with special authorization.
Mobile devices' growing share of web traffic
Mobile internet has become increasingly widespread and popular over the past few years, as smartphones are more readily available and affordable than ever. As internet users gradually switch to mobile devices to browse the web on the go, mobile internet now accounts for just over 50 percent of total web traffic worldwide.
Persistent gender and generational gaps online
As of the second quarter of 2025, around 75.7 percent of the male population in the world was using the internet, compared to 70.7 percent of women. This disparity is particularly pronounced in least developed and developing countries. Across all regions, internet adoption tends to be higher among younger age groups than older generations. The expanded usage of the internet comes with advantages, as well as downsides. Among these are cybersecurity threats and online privacy concerns. An increasingly connected world will need to develop sufficient levels of online literacy to ensure that users can navigate the web safely.
