Internet in different countries of the world

As of early 2025, the number of internet users in the world has increased by 1.67 billion compared to July 2018 (3.85 billion). Some indicators of the number of internet users by year:

• July 2018 - 3.85 billion;
• July 2019 - 4.18 billion;
• July 2020 - 4.63 billion;
• July 2021 - 4.91 billion;
• July 2022 - 5.14 billion;
• July 2023 - 5.28 billion;
• October 2023 - 5.37 billion;
• July 2024 - 5.45 billion;
• October 2024 - 5.52 billion;
• May 2025 - 5.64 billion.

As of 2025, India is the country with the largest number of Internet users, with more than 1.24 billion, followed by China with 1.13 billion. The rapid growth in the number of Internet users is influenced in particular by the increasing availability of smartphones and mobile data, as well as the popularity of online services such as e-commerce, streaming platforms and social networks.

Internet penetration rate

As of 2024, six countries in Europe and Asia had the highest internet penetration in the world at 99%:

• Netherlands
• Norway
• Saudi Arabia
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• Denmark

In these countries, almost everyone uses the Internet. In countries with high levels of Internet use, such as the Nordic countries and the United Arab Emirates, different technologies are used to provide Internet access and fast connection speeds.

Technology and infrastructure

The Nordic countries have developed infrastructure that allows for high levels of Internet access. Mobile broadband is widespread. In the United Arab Emirates, modern infrastructure and a high level of investment in communications technology are used to provide good internet connectivity. The country has almost complete coverage of 5G mobile networks. In addition, UAE government, healthcare, logistics and financial transactions are all powered by blockchain.

The Gulf countries also use such technologies as artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing to develop the IT sector and digitalization.

Average internet speed

Average mobile Internet speeds around the world range from super-fast speeds in the Gulf countries to low speeds in some regions of Africa and the CIS. The leaders remain the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, where speeds exceed 500 Mbps, while in Russia this figure is about 36 Mbps, which puts the country in 87th place in the world ranking.

Russia in the world ranking

• Average speed: 36.05 Mbps (35.80 Mbps according to other data).
• Position: 87th (86-88th depending on the source).
• Dynamics: Speed increased by 44% in six months (from 25.63 Mbps in July 2024).

Factors affecting speed

• 5G development: The leaders of the rating are actively implementing fifth generation networks, which provides high speeds.
• Infrastructure: Countries with developed digital infrastructure (Singapore, South Korea) have higher rates.
• Geographical and economic conditions: In Russia, low population density in some regions and limited investment in networks are slowing progress.

Impact on economy and society

Average internet speed has a significant impact on economic development, education and access to information. High speeds contribute to business development, better education and higher living standards.

Innovations and perspectives

The deployment of 6G networks is expected in the future, which could significantly increase internet speeds. Developments in technologies such as quantum computing and infrastructure improvements will also help to increase speeds.

Questions and answers

1. What is average internet speed and how is it measured?

   • Response: Average Internet speed is a metric that reflects the average speed of data transfer on a network. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and indicates how much data can be transferred in one second. This value can vary depending on the type of connection (mobile or fixed), the technology used and the infrastructure.

2. Which countries have the fastest internet in the world?

   • Response: As of 2025, countries with the fastest internet include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait. These countries are actively deploying 5G technologies and investing in modern infrastructure.

3. Why is my country's internet speed slower than others?

   • Response: Internet speeds can depend on many factors, including the level of infrastructure development, investment in technology, population density and geographic conditions. Some countries may also restrict access to new technologies or networks.

4. How does 5G affect internet speeds?

   • Response: 5G is a fifth-generation mobile technology that significantly increases data transfer speeds and reduces latency. It enables data transmission at speeds several times faster than 4G and supports more connections per unit area.

5. How can I increase my internet speed at home?

   • Response: There are several approaches you can take to increase internet speeds at home: upgrade your router to a more modern model, optimize your network settings, connect your devices to the network via cable rather than Wi-Fi, and choose a more suitable tariff from your provider.

6. Which internet is faster: mobile or wired?

   • Response: In most cases, wired internet (e.g. fiber optic) provides faster speeds and stability than mobile internet. However, with the development of 5G, mobile networks can also provide very high speeds.

7. What is internet penetration rate?

   • Response: Internet penetration rate is the percentage of the population with access to the Internet. It reflects the extent of Internet penetration in a country or region and can serve as an indicator of digital development.

8. How does the internet affect economic development?

   • Response: The Internet contributes to economic development by providing access to information, improving communications and opening up new business opportunities. It also facilitates the development of new industries such as e-commerce and digital media.

9. What is IoT and how does it relate to the internet?

   • Response: The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept in which devices and objects are connected to the internet and can exchange data. It enables process automation and efficiency improvements in a variety of areas, including healthcare, transportation, and home automation.

10. What are the future prospects for the Internet?

    • Response: In the future, 6G networks are expected to develop, improving infrastructure and increasing data transfer speeds. The role of the Internet will also grow in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, which will open up new opportunities for users and businesses.