The global internet population is growing, but billions still lack access

As of 2024, roughly 5.3 billion people use the internet worldwide. That sounds like nearly everyone, but it represents about 65 percent of the global population. The remaining 2.6 billion people — mostly in Africa, South Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia — do not have regular internet access. The number of users grows by tens of millions each year, but growth has slowed compared to the 2010s, because most people in wealthy countries already have access.

Internet use varies dramatically by region and by income. In North America and Europe, over 90 percent of people use the internet. In sub-Saharan Africa, that number drops to around 35 percent. Even within countries, access splits sharply between cities and rural areas, and between wealthy and low-income households. A person's age, education level, and whether they speak a language with strong online content also shape whether they actually use the internet regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • About 5.3 billion people use the internet, but this represents only 65 percent of the world's population.
  • Internet use is highest in North America and Europe (over 90 percent) and lowest in sub-Saharan Africa (around 35 percent).
  • Rural areas and low-income households have significantly lower internet access than cities and wealthier communities, even within the same country.
  • Mobile phones are now the primary way most people access the internet globally, not computers or home broadband.
  • The digital divide — the gap between those with internet access and those without — remains one of the largest barriers to economic opportunity worldwide.

How internet use breaks down by region

The developed world has near-universal internet access. In the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most of Western Europe, between 88 and 98 percent of people use the internet regularly. These regions have decades of infrastructure investment, affordable broadband plans, and widespread device ownership.

Middle-income regions show mixed results. In Latin America, about 65 percent of people use the internet. In the Middle East and North Africa, the figure is around 70 percent. Eastern Europe and Central Asia fall between 75 and 85 percent. These regions have growing infrastructure but still face affordability challenges and gaps between urban and rural areas.

Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have the lowest rates. In sub-Saharan Africa, only about 35 percent of people use the internet regularly. In South Asia — which includes India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — the rate is around 45 percent. These regions have younger populations, lower average incomes, and less developed broadband infrastructure. However, they also represent the largest pool of potential new internet users, because they have the most people without access.

Mobile phones changed who can access the internet

For most of the internet's history, access meant owning a computer and paying for home broadband. That model locked out billions of people. Mobile phones changed everything. Today, over 7 billion people own a mobile phone — more than own computers — and smartphones have become the primary way most people access the internet globally.

In Africa and South Asia, mobile phones account for over 90 percent of internet access. A person can buy a used smartphone for $30 to $50 and pay for mobile data by the day or week, rather than committing to a monthly broadband bill. This flexibility has brought internet access to people who could never afford a home computer. However, mobile-only access has limits: it is harder to do schoolwork, run a business, or access government services on a small screen with limited data.

The shift to mobile also explains why internet growth has slowed in wealthy countries. Most people who want a computer already have one. Growth now comes from people in developing regions getting their first smartphone, and from people upgrading from basic phones to smartphones.

The digital divide: who is still left out

Internet access is not evenly distributed within countries. In the United States, 93 percent of people in urban areas use the internet, compared to 72 percent in rural areas. The gap is even wider in developing countries. In India, 45 percent of urban residents use the internet, but only 20 percent of rural residents do. Rural areas have less infrastructure investment, slower speeds, and higher costs relative to income.

Income is the strongest predictor of internet access. In the United States, 95 percent of households earning over $75,000 per year have broadband, compared to 57 percent of households earning under $30,000. In developing countries, the gap is steeper. A person earning $2 per day cannot afford a $30 smartphone or a $10 monthly data plan, even though both are cheap by wealthy-country standards.

Age and education also matter. Older adults are less likely to use the internet than younger people, even in wealthy countries. In the United States, 73 percent of people over 65 use the internet, compared to 97 percent of people aged 18 to 29. People with less formal education are also less likely to use the internet, partly because they may not read well in the languages with the most online content.

Why billions of people still do not use the internet

The reasons people lack internet access vary by region. In rural areas, the main barrier is infrastructure: broadband networks have not been built there because the cost per customer is too high. In low-income urban areas, the barrier is usually cost: a person may live near a network but cannot afford the monthly bill. In some regions, language is a barrier — if most online content is in English or Mandarin, a person who speaks Swahili or Tagalog may find little reason to go online.

In some countries, government censorship or surveillance discourages internet use. In others, cultural or religious beliefs shape whether people see the internet as valuable. A person may also lack the skills to use the internet safely, or may not own a device. These barriers often overlap: a rural, low-income, older adult with limited education faces multiple obstacles to getting online.

How internet use is expected to change

Internet access is expected to continue growing, but at a slower pace than in the past. Most projections suggest the global user base will reach 5.8 to 6 billion people by 2030, adding another 500 million to 700 million users. This growth will come almost entirely from Africa and South Asia, where mobile networks are expanding and device costs are falling.

However, reaching the remaining 2 billion people will be harder than reaching the first 5 billion. Many of them live in remote areas where building infrastructure is expensive, or in countries where poverty is severe. Some may never use the internet regularly, even if access becomes available. The digital divide is likely to persist, even as the total number of users grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as using the internet?

Most surveys define internet use as accessing the internet at least once per month. This includes browsing websites, using social media, watching videos, sending email, or using apps. The definition varies slightly between organizations, which is why different sources report slightly different numbers. Some surveys ask about daily use, which gives a lower figure.

Is internet access the same as having a good internet connection?

No. A person may have access to the internet but experience slow speeds, frequent outages, or high costs that limit how much they can use it. In many developing countries, people have access but cannot reliably stream video or download large files. Access and quality are two separate problems.

Why does the digital divide matter?

Internet access shapes economic opportunity. Jobs increasingly require online skills or applications. School and job training happen online. Government services, banking, and healthcare are moving online. People without internet access fall further behind in education, income, and access to services. The digital divide reinforces existing inequalities.

Is internet use still growing in wealthy countries?

Growth in wealthy countries has nearly stopped because most people already use the internet. The focus has shifted to improving connection quality, reducing costs, and bringing access to remaining rural areas. Most new internet users now come from Africa and Asia.

How many people have never used the internet?

Roughly 2.6 billion people have never used the internet regularly. This includes people who have never had access, people who tried it once but do not use it regularly, and people who actively choose not to use it. The exact number depends on how you define "use" and varies by source.