Which countries have the oldest populations in the world?
According to the United Nations World Population Prospects 2024, Vatican City has the highest projected median age in 2026 at 56.21 years, followed by Monaco at 53.11 years and Japan at 50.18 years.
This ranking compares 195 countries using the UN's 2026 median-age projections. The figures reveal significant differences in population age structures, with several European countries and East Asian economies among the oldest.
Top 10 Countries With the Oldest Populations in 2026
Vatican City and Monaco lead the ranking, followed by Japan, San Marino and Italy. Portugal, Greece and Spain also appear in the top ten, alongside South Korea and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Japan stands out as a major economy with a median age exceeding 50 years, while Vatican City's unusual population composition makes it a special case in demographic comparisons.
Oldest Populations by Country: 2026 Rankings
The following table ranks 195 countries by their projected median age in 2026, from oldest to youngest.
All figures are based on the United Nations World Population Prospects 2024 medium-variant projections. Median ages are expressed in years and displayed to two decimal places.
Source: United Nations, World Population Prospects 2024 (Medium Variant), 2026 projections.
Key Findings
Vatican City Has the Highest Median Age
Vatican City ranks first with a projected median age of 56.21 years in 2026.
However, its exceptionally small and unusual population means the figure should be interpreted differently from those of larger countries.
Monaco follows in second place at 53.11 years, reflecting an older population age structure.
Japan Has One of the World's Oldest Populations
Japan ranks third with a projected median age of 50.18 years.
Unlike Vatican City and Monaco, Japan has a large population, making its age structure particularly significant for discussions about population ageing, workforce availability and long-term healthcare needs.
European Countries Dominate the Top Ten
Eight of the ten highest-ranked countries are located in Europe: Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Spain and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy ranks fifth at 48.61 years, followed by Portugal at 47.24 years and Greece at 47.10 years.
These rankings highlight the prevalence of older population structures across parts of Europe.
South Korea Ranks Ninth
South Korea has a projected median age of 46.19 years, placing it ninth among the 195 countries included.
Like Japan, South Korea faces demographic challenges associated with low fertility and an ageing population.
India and China Have Different Age Structures
China ranks 41st with a projected median age of 40.65 years, while India ranks 105th at 29.22 years.
The difference of 11.43 years highlights the contrast between the two countries' population age structures.
The United States ranks 52nd, with a projected median age of 38.71 years.
What Is Median Age?
Median age is the age that divides a population into two equal groups.
Half of the population is younger than the median age, while the other half is older.
For example, Japan's projected median age of 50.18 years means that approximately half its population is younger than that age and half is older.
Median age is different from average age and life expectancy. It describes the age structure of a population rather than how long people are expected to live.
Why Are Some Countries' Populations Older?
Population ageing is generally influenced by declining fertility rates, longer life expectancy and changes in migration patterns.
When fewer children are born, younger age groups become smaller relative to older generations. Improvements in survival can also increase the proportion of older people.
Migration may further influence the age structure, particularly in smaller countries where population movements can have a relatively large impact.
However, a high median age does not automatically mean a country has poor living conditions or an unsustainable economy.
What Are the Effects of an Ageing Population?
An ageing population can affect a country's economy and public services in several ways.
A rising share of older residents may increase demand for healthcare, pensions and long-term care. At the same time, a smaller working-age population can create challenges for labor supply and public finances.
Countries may respond through healthcare planning, workplace changes, productivity improvements, family policies and migration measures.
The effects vary considerably depending on employment, productivity, social protection systems and government policies.
Data Source and Methodology
This ranking uses the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Population Division, World Population Prospects 2024.
The indicator is Median Age of Population, based on the medium-variant population projections for 2026.
The analysis includes 195 countries, comprising 193 United Nations member states plus the Holy See and the State of Palestine. Dependent territories and other separately reported areas are excluded.
Countries are ranked from highest to lowest by their projected median age. Values are displayed to two decimal places, with ranks shown as sequential positions.
Because the figures are projections for 2026, they should not be interpreted as final observed demographic measurements.
The results reflect the UN's 2024 revision and may differ from other demographic sources or later statistical revisions.
Conclusion
The 2026 population-age rankings reveal a pronounced concentration of older populations in Europe and East Asia.
Vatican City, Monaco and Japan occupy the top three positions, while Italy, Portugal, Greece, Spain and South Korea also report high median ages.
These differences reflect long-term demographic changes, particularly fertility, longevity and migration.
Median age offers a useful way to compare population structures, but it should be considered alongside fertility rates, life expectancy and the proportion of older residents for a fuller understanding of population ageing.
Source
United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division — World Population Prospects 2024, Median Age of Population, Medium Variant, 2026 projections.
https://population.un.org/wpp/
Rankings and analysis compiled by The Data Visual.
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