Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population) 2002

Discover the internet usage rate by country, showcasing the percentage of the population online. This statistic highlights digital accessibility and connectivity trends globally, emphasizing the importance of internet access in today's world.

210 data points•Updated 12/31/2025•World•International Telecommunication Union (ITU)•

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Rank
1	Canada	61.593 %
2	Bermuda	52.032 %
3	Belgium	46.33 %
4	China, Hong Kong SAR	43.082 %
5	Austria	36.56 %
6	Cyprus	28.32 %
7	Barbados	27.836 %
8	China, Macao SAR	25.172 %
9	Czech Republic	23.93 %
10	Chile	22.1 %
11	Costa Rica	19.895 %
12	British Virgin Islands	18.886 %
13	Aruba	18.8 %
14	Bahrain	18.051 %
15	Bahamas	18 %
16	Croatia	17.76 %
17	Brunei Darussalam	15.33 %
18	Antigua and Barbuda	12.5 %
19	Andorra	11.261 %
20	Argentina	10.882 %
21	Brazil	9.149 %
22	Bulgaria	9.08 %
23	Belarus	8.951 %
24	Belize	5.684 %
25	Azerbaijan	5 %
26	Colombia	4.6 %
27	China	4.596 %
28	Cuba	3.771 %
29	Cabo Verde	3.519 %
30	Botswana	3.386 %
31	Bolivia	3.117 %
32	Bosnia and Herzegovina	2.648 %
33	Armenia	1.96 %
34	Bhutan	1.676 %
35	Algeria	1.592 %
36	Benin	0.703 %
37	Comoros	0.555 %
38	Côte d'Ivoire	0.498 %
39	Albania	0.39 %
40	Cameroon	0.361 %
41	Angola	0.27 %
42	Cambodia	0.227 %
43	Burkina Faso	0.201 %
44	Chad	0.166 %
45	Congo	0.157 %
46	Central African Republic	0.129 %
47	Burundi	0.118 %
48	Afghanistan	0.005 %
49	Australia	NaN %
50	Bangladesh	0.14 %
51	Cayman Islands	NaN %
52	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0.093 %
53	Curaçao	NaN %
54	Iceland	79.12 %
55	Denmark	64.25 %
56	Finland	62.43 %
57	Faroe Islands	53.299 %
58	Germany	48.82 %
59	Japan	46.594 %
60	Greenland	44.155 %
61	Estonia	41.52 %
62	Guam	31.192 %
63	France	30.18 %
64	Italy	28.04 %
65	Ireland	25.85 %
66	Gibraltar	23.67 %
67	Latvia	21.94 %
68	Dominica	18.425 %
69	Israel	17.765 %
70	Hungary	16.67 %
71	Grenada	14.759 %
72	Greece	14.67 %
73	Kuwait	10.249 %
74	French Polynesia	8.2 %
75	Dominican Republic	6.824 %
76	Fiji	6.153 %
77	Jamaica	6.1 %
78	Jordan	6.026 %
79	Iran	4.626 %
80	Ecuador	4.261 %
81	Guatemala	3.392 %
82	Kyrgyzstan	2.999 %
83	Egypt	2.72 %
84	Honduras	2.597 %
85	Kiribati	2.5 %
86	Indonesia	2.134 %
87	Gabon	1.94 %
88	El Salvador	1.9 %
89	Eswatini	1.816 %
90	Gambia	1.797 %
91	Kazakhstan	1.675 %
92	Georgia	1.588 %
93	India	1.538 %
94	Guyana	1.5 %
95	Kenya	1.208 %
96	Guinea-Bissau	1.023 %
97	Haiti	0.893 %
98	Ghana	0.83 %
99	Iraq	0.5 %
100	Djibouti	0.487 %
101	Guinea	0.402 %
102	Equatorial Guinea	0.321 %
103	Laos	0.268 %
104	Eritrea	0.227 %
105	Ethiopia	0.072 %
106	Kosovo	NaN %
107	Norway	72.84 %
108	Netherlands	61.29 %
109	Liechtenstein	59.471 %
110	New Zealand	59.081 %
111	Monaco	48.047 %
112	Luxembourg	39.84 %
113	Malaysia	32.338 %
114	Malta	28.92 %
115	New Caledonia	22.39 %
116	Saint Kitts and Nevis	21.152 %
117	Poland	21.15 %
118	Palau	20.244 %
119	Portugal	19.37 %
120	Lithuania	17.69 %
121	Puerto Rico	17.548 %
122	North Macedonia	17.33 %
123	Mexico	11.9 %
124	Mauritius	10.253 %
125	Qatar	10.226 %
126	Peru	8.967 %
127	Panama	8.518 %
128	Lebanon	7 %
129	Oman	6.873 %
130	Romania	6.58 %
131	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	5.57 %
132	Maldives	5.348 %
133	Philippines	4.332 %
134	Russia	4.128 %
135	Republic of Moldova	3.787 %
136	Namibia	2.634 %
137	Pakistan	2.577 %
138	Morocco	2.373 %
139	Marshall Islands	2.335 %
140	Libya	2.244 %
141	Mongolia	2.04 %
142	Paraguay	1.795 %
143	Nicaragua	1.715 %
144	Papua New Guinea	1.322 %
145	Lesotho	1.084 %
146	Mauritania	0.363 %
147	Madagascar	0.34 %
148	Nigeria	0.32 %
149	Nepal	0.313 %
150	Rwanda	0.293 %
151	Mozambique	0.26 %
152	Mali	0.227 %
153	Malawi	0.215 %
154	Niger	0.127 %
155	Liberia	0.033 %
156	Montenegro	NaN %
157	Myanmar	0 %
158	Nauru	NaN %
159	Sweden	70.57 %
160	Switzerland	61.4 %
161	South Korea	59.4 %
162	United States	58.785 %
163	United Kingdom	56.48 %
164	San Marino	50.835 %
165	Singapore	47 %
166	Slovakia	40.14 %
167	United Arab Emirates	28.317 %
168	Slovenia	27.839 %
169	United States Virgin Islands	27.494 %
170	Trinidad and Tobago	21.999 %
171	Spain	20.39 %
172	Saint Lucia	14.642 %
173	Seychelles	14.304 %
174	Uruguay	11.42 %
175	Turkey	11.38 %
176	Sao Tome and Principe	7.581 %
177	Thailand	7.531 %
178	South Africa	6.71 %
179	Saudi Arabia	6.385 %
180	Tuvalu	6.3 %
181	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	5.55 %
182	Tunisia	5.253 %
183	Venezuela	4.91 %
184	Suriname	4.162 %
185	State of Palestine	3.1 %
186	Samoa	2.245 %
187	Senegal	1.006 %
188	Serbia	NaN %
189	Vanuatu	3.51 %
190	Tonga	2.907 %
191	Syrian Arab Republic	2.093 %
192	Ukraine	1.874 %
193	Vietnam	1.855 %
194	Zimbabwe	1.1 %
195	Uzbekistan	1.082 %
196	Sri Lanka	1.05 %
197	Togo	1 %
198	Yemen	0.519 %
199	Solomon Islands	0.502 %
200	Zambia	0.478 %
201	Sudan	0.439 %
202	Uganda	0.384 %
203	Turkmenistan	0.302 %
204	Tanzania	0.222 %
205	Sierra Leone	0.176 %
206	Somalia	0.116 %
207	South Sudan	NaN %
208	Tajikistan	0.055 %
209	North Korea	0 %
210	Timor-Leste	0 %

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The "Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population)" in 2002 offers a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of global digital connectivity. This metric measures the percentage of a country's population that used the internet, reflecting both technological advancement and accessibility. As the internet began to transform economies and societies, understanding these rates helps us appreciate the disparities and advancements in digital access across different regions.

Leading Countries in Internet Connectivity

In 2002, Iceland emerged as the frontrunner in internet usage, with a remarkable 79.12% of its population online. This positioned Iceland not only as a leader in digital connectivity but also as a testament to the country's robust technological infrastructure and high living standards. Following closely were Norway (72.84%) and Sweden (70.57%), both of which were part of the Nordic cluster that dominated the top ranks. These nations benefited from strong governmental support for technology infrastructure and policies encouraging digital literacy.

The presence of Canada (61.59%) and the Netherlands (61.29%) among the top ten highlights the technological prowess and innovative spirit of North America and Western Europe during this period. These countries had already begun integrating internet connectivity into daily life, emphasizing its role in socio-economic development.

The Digital Divide: Lagging Behind

The disparity in internet usage rates can be starkly observed when comparing the top countries with the bottom ten. Myanmar, for instance, had virtually no internet penetration, with a negligible rate of 0.000426%. Similarly, countries like Afghanistan (0.004561%) and Liberia (0.032713%) struggled with minimal access, reflecting broader infrastructural challenges and socio-political instability. The low connectivity in these regions underscores the broader issue of the digital divide, where geographical, economic, and political barriers hindered internet accessibility.

This digital divide was often exacerbated by a lack of investment in infrastructure, limited technological literacy, and in some cases, restrictive governmental policies. Understanding these barriers is crucial for addressing the inequalities in digital access that persist to this day.

Yearly Trends and Notable Changes

The year 2002 witnessed significant changes in internet usage across the globe, with an average increase rate of 3.22% from the previous year. Iceland's leap of 29.73 percentage points is particularly noteworthy, representing a 60.2% increase. This rapid growth can be attributed to aggressive technological advancements and widespread adoption of broadband technology. Similarly, Slovakia experienced a remarkable surge of 220.4%, reflecting immense progress in digital infrastructure and public accessibility initiatives.

Conversely, some countries experienced slight declines in usage rates. Austria saw a decrease of 2.63 percentage points, amounting to a 6.7% drop. While the reasons for these declines vary, they often involve economic downturns or shifts in governmental focus away from digital policy.

Economic Impact of Internet Usage

The influence of internet accessibility on economic growth was becoming increasingly apparent by 2002. Nations leading in internet usage were also often those with resilient and innovative economies. For instance, the high connectivity in countries like Sweden and Canada was paralleled by their strong positions in global trade and technology sectors. Enhanced internet access facilitated efficient communication, expanded market reach, and fostered innovation, driving economic dynamism.

Despite these positive correlations, the challenge remained in ensuring that increased connectivity directly translated into economic opportunities for underrepresented communities. Closing the digital divide was pivotal not only for equitable technological advancement but also for fostering inclusive economic growth.

Future Projections and Challenges

Looking ahead from 2002, it was clear that the trajectory of global internet usage would continue to rise, driven by technological innovation and the decreasing cost of access. However, achieving universal connectivity posed significant challenges, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure and significant socio-political barriers. Efforts to address these challenges included international cooperation, investment in technology, and policy reforms aimed at enhancing digital literacy and access.

Ultimately, the internet usage rate by country in 2002 serves as both a snapshot of early 21st-century digital connectivity and a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to achieve global digital equity. The data from this period provides valuable insights into how far we have come and the road that lies ahead in bridging the digital divide.

Insights by country

Fiji

In 2002, Fiji had an Internet usage rate of 6.15% of its population, ranking it 92nd out of 210 countries. This figure reflects the early stages of internet adoption in the Pacific island nation, where connectivity was limited primarily to urban areas and educational institutions.

The relatively low percentage of internet users in Fiji during this period can be attributed to several factors, including infrastructure challenges, high costs of internet access, and limited digital literacy among the population. Additionally, the geographical dispersion of the islands posed logistical difficulties for widespread connectivity.

As a point of interest, the global trend in internet usage was rapidly increasing in the early 2000s, driven by technological advances and decreasing costs. Fiji's internet penetration has since improved significantly, reflecting broader global trends towards digital connectivity.

Equatorial Guinea

In the year 2002, Equatorial Guinea had an Internet usage rate of 0.321198%, ranking it 173rd out of 210 countries in terms of internet penetration. This low level of internet access reflects the country's developing technological infrastructure and limited telecommunications services.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including the lack of widespread electricity, high costs associated with internet service provision, and limited investment in digital infrastructure. Additionally, the country's political climate and regulatory environment may have hindered the growth of the internet sector.

Interestingly, this figure highlights a significant gap in the digital divide, which has implications for education, economic development, and access to information. As of the early 2000s, many residents relied on traditional forms of communication and information dissemination, further underscoring the challenges faced in achieving connectivity in Equatorial Guinea.

Côte d'Ivoire

In 2002, Côte d'Ivoire ranked 163rd out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with an estimated 0.497929% of the population having access to the internet. This low penetration rate reflects the country's ongoing challenges in infrastructure development and economic stability, which were particularly impacted by civil unrest and political instability during this period.

The limited access to internet services can be attributed to several factors, including inadequate telecommunications infrastructure, limited financial resources among the population, and the relatively high cost of internet access. Furthermore, a significant portion of the population resided in rural areas where connectivity was even more scarce.

As a point of reference, the overall internet penetration rate across Africa in 2002 was substantially lower than in many other regions, highlighting that Côte d'Ivoire's internet usage was part of a broader trend affecting the continent at the time. The development of internet services in subsequent years has been aided by increased investment in telecommunications, leading to a gradual rise in connectivity and usage.

Spain

In 2002, Spain ranked 48th out of 210 countries in terms of Internet usage, with a reported usage rate of 20.39% of the population having access to the Internet. This statistic reflects the early stages of Internet adoption in Spain, influenced by the broader trends of technology and telecommunications expansion across Europe during the early 2000s.

The relatively low usage rate at the time can be attributed to several factors, including limited infrastructure, high costs of access, and a general lack of digital literacy among the population. Additionally, the rapid growth of the Internet in Spain was still emerging from a period of economic transition following its integration into the European Union in 1986, which began to catalyze technological advancements.

By comparison, other European countries were experiencing higher adoption rates, with nations like Denmark and the Netherlands leading the way. The statistics from this period highlight the significant growth in Internet penetration that would occur in subsequent years, as Spain invested in broadband expansion and increased digital literacy initiatives.

Myanmar

In 2002, Myanmar ranked 200 out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with a meager 0.000426% of its population having access to the internet. This statistic reflects the country's limited technological infrastructure and the significant barriers to digital connectivity that existed at the time.

The low internet usage rate in Myanmar during this period can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of investment in telecommunications, restrictive government policies, and a predominantly rural population with limited access to modern technology. Additionally, the country's political climate and economic challenges further hampered the development of a robust internet environment.

As a point of reference, by comparison, many countries were experiencing rapid growth in internet adoption during the early 2000s, with global trends indicating a surge in connectivity. Myanmar's struggle with internet access has had long-lasting implications on education, business, and social development, illustrating the crucial role that digital connectivity plays in modern society.

Botswana

In 2002, Botswana had an Internet usage rate of 3.38592% of its population, ranking it 114th out of 210 countries in terms of internet connectivity. This relatively low percentage reflects the early stages of internet adoption in the country, which was still developing its telecommunications infrastructure at that time.

The limited access to the internet can be attributed to various factors, including high costs of technology, limited electricity access, and a rural population that faced challenges in connectivity. Additionally, in 2002, Botswana was still overcoming the socio-economic impacts of its historical reliance on agriculture and traditional industries.

Interestingly, the situation has evolved significantly since then; as of recent years, Botswana has made strides in improving its internet penetration rates and technological infrastructure, showcasing the potential for rapid growth in digital connectivity within the country.

Kenya

In 2002, Kenya ranked 148th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with an estimated usage rate of 1.20777% of its population accessing the internet. This low percentage reflects the nascent stage of internet infrastructure and accessibility in the country during this period.

The limited internet penetration can be attributed to several factors, including high poverty levels, limited telecommunications infrastructure, and low levels of digital literacy. At the time, many regions in Kenya still relied heavily on traditional forms of communication, and the cost of internet access was prohibitive for a significant portion of the population.

Despite these challenges, this period marked the beginning of gradual advancements in technology and connectivity, paving the way for future growth. By 2020, the internet usage rate in Kenya had dramatically increased, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to improve its digital landscape and promote greater access to information and communication technologies.

Armenia

In the year 2002, Armenia ranked 132nd out of 210 countries in terms of Internet usage, with an estimated 1.96% of its population accessing the Internet. This relatively low percentage reflects the country's early stage of digital infrastructure development following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The limited Internet penetration in Armenia during this period can be attributed to several factors, including economic challenges, inadequate telecommunications infrastructure, and a lack of widespread computer literacy among the population. Additionally, the country was still recovering from the effects of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which further hindered technological advancement.

As a point of reference, global Internet usage rates were significantly higher in 2002, with many developed countries reporting rates above 50%. By contrast, Armenia's early adoption of Internet technologies set the stage for gradual improvements in connectivity, leading to higher usage rates in subsequent years as the country invested in telecommunications infrastructure.

Hungary

In 2002, Hungary had an internet usage rate of 16.67% of its population, ranking it 62nd out of 210 countries in terms of internet accessibility. This statistic reflects the early stages of internet adoption in Hungary, indicating that only a small segment of the population was connected to the internet at that time.

Several factors contributed to this relatively low internet penetration rate, including the economic transition following the end of communism in 1989, which resulted in significant changes in infrastructure and technology access. Furthermore, high costs associated with internet services and limited digital literacy also played a role in hindering widespread internet use.

By the early 2000s, many Central and Eastern European countries were experiencing a similar trajectory in internet adoption as they transitioned to market economies, highlighting a broader regional trend that influenced Hungary's technological development and access to information.

China

In 2002, China had an internet usage rate of 4.5957% of its population, ranking 104th out of 210 countries. This relatively low percentage reflects the early stages of internet adoption in the country, which was still grappling with infrastructure challenges and limited access to technology.

The slow growth in internet usage at that time can be attributed to several factors, including limited telecommunications infrastructure, high costs associated with internet access, and a lack of digital literacy among the population. Additionally, government regulations and censorship posed significant barriers to the free flow of information online.

Despite this slow start, China has since experienced explosive growth in internet usage, becoming the largest online market in the world. By 2021, the internet penetration rate had soared, with over 1 billion internet users, illustrating a remarkable transformation driven by advancements in technology and increased investment in infrastructure.

Data Source

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for digital technologies (ICTs). The Organization is made up of a membership of 194 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and with regional offices on every continent, ITU is the oldest agency in the UN family – has been connecting people for over 160 years.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population) data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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