Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population) 2007
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.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1
Bermuda - #2
Canada - #3
Andorra - #4
Australia - #5
Austria - #6
Belgium - #7
China, Hong Kong SAR - #8
Barbados - #9
Cayman Islands - #10
Czech Republic
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #210
Timor-Leste - #209
South Sudan - #208
Sierra Leone - #207
Somalia - #206
Turkmenistan - #205
Tanzania - #204
Zambia - #203
Solomon Islands - #202
Togo - #201
Zimbabwe
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 in 2007 offers a fascinating snapshot of digital connectivity across the globe. This metric, which measures the percentage of a country's population that uses the internet, provides insight into the technological landscape and accessibility of information in various regions. As the digital era continues to evolve, understanding these statistics is vital for assessing the global digital divide and the progress toward universal internet access.
Leaders in Connectivity
In 2007, the countries topping the list for the highest internet usage rates were predominantly located in Europe, with Iceland leading at an impressive 90.6%. Other notable mentions include Norway (86.93%), the Netherlands (85.82%), and Denmark (85.03%). These countries have consistently prioritized technological infrastructure and education, fostering environments where digital access is not only possible but prevalent. South Korea, which stood at 78.8%, represents a significant Asian presence in the top ranks, showcasing its commitment to being a technological powerhouse. The advanced state of internet infrastructure in these nations can be attributed to robust policy frameworks and investments in information and communication technology (ICT).
The Digital Divide
Conversely, the lower end of the spectrum highlights a stark contrast, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo recording a mere 0.37% of its population having internet access. Other countries such as the Central African Republic (0.375816%) and Niger (0.390391%) also found themselves grappling with minimal connectivity. These figures underscore the challenges faced by developing nations in bridging the digital divide. Economic constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and limited governmental support are key factors contributing to these low statistics. The digital divide, therefore, remains a critical barrier to global equity, affecting education, economic development, and social inclusion.
Year-over-Year Trends
The year 2007 witnessed significant changes in internet usage rates among several countries. Andorra experienced a remarkable increase of 21.93 percentage points, a growth rate of 44.8%, while Israel saw a rise of 20.25 percentage points, translating to a 72.6% growth. France and Singapore also exhibited substantial increases, highlighting their respective governments' efforts to enhance digital connectivity and promote technological advancement. On the other hand, Sweden noted a decrease of 5.75 percentage points, a development warranting further investigation into potential causes, such as market saturation or shifts in measurement criteria.
Regional Comparisons and Insights
Regional patterns provide additional context to the global internet landscape of 2007. Europe emerged as the most connected continent, with many countries achieving usage rates above 70%. This regional clustering of high connectivity rates is indicative of Europe's integrated economic strategies and shared technological goals. In contrast, African nations struggled with lower rates, highlighting the need for enhanced international cooperation and investment to improve digital infrastructure. These regional disparities call for targeted strategies to address the unique challenges faced by different areas, ensuring that no region is left behind in the digital age.
Future Projections and Policy Impacts
Looking ahead, the trends observed in 2007 set the stage for future developments in internet connectivity. Countries with low usage rates must prioritize policy changes that support digital literacy and infrastructure investments, ensuring broader access to technology. Governments and international organizations must collaborate to foster inclusive growth, leveraging technology to drive social and economic progress. As the global community continues to navigate the complexities of the digital era, understanding and addressing the internet usage rate by country remains a critical component of building a more connected and equitable world.
Insights by country
Tajikistan
Tajikistan ranked 132nd out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage rate in the year 2007, with an estimated 7.20% of the population having access to the internet. This relatively low percentage reflects the country's developing status and the challenges it faces in expanding digital infrastructure.
Several factors contribute to this modest internet penetration rate, including limited telecommunications infrastructure, high costs of internet access, and socio-economic conditions that hinder widespread adoption. Additionally, Tajikistan's mountainous terrain poses logistical challenges for the establishment of reliable internet services.
Despite these challenges, there has been a gradual increase in internet usage in subsequent years, driven by improvements in technology and government initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity. Furthermore, the rise of mobile technology has also played a pivotal role in increasing access to information and communication services in the region.
India
In 2007, India ranked 155th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with an estimated 3.95% of its population having access to the internet. This relatively low percentage reflects the nascent stage of digital infrastructure and internet penetration in the country during that period.
Several factors contributed to this modest internet usage rate, including limited telecommunications infrastructure, high costs of internet access, and low levels of computer literacy among the population. Additionally, a significant portion of the population resided in rural areas where access to technology was severely restricted.
Despite these challenges, India was on the cusp of a digital revolution, with the government and private sector beginning to invest in expanding internet access and improving telecommunications. By 2023, internet usage rates in India have surged significantly, illustrating the rapid advancements in technology and infrastructure that have taken place since 2007.
Angola
In 2007, Angola had an internet usage rate of only 1.7% of its population, ranking it 176th out of 210 countries in terms of internet accessibility. This low percentage reflects significant challenges in the country's telecommunications infrastructure and the overall economic backdrop following years of civil conflict.
Several factors contributed to this limited internet penetration, including high poverty rates, a lack of investment in technology, and a predominantly rural population with limited access to digital services. In addition, the high cost of internet services made it inaccessible for the majority of Angolans.
By comparison, the global average internet usage rate was significantly higher, highlighting the disparities in technological access between Angola and more developed nations. As of the late 2000s, efforts were underway to improve internet infrastructure, which would gradually enhance connectivity in the years to follow.
Guinea-Bissau
In 2007, Guinea-Bissau ranked 166 out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with an estimated 2.2063% of its population having access to the internet. This low percentage reflects the country's ongoing challenges in telecommunications infrastructure and economic development.
The limited internet penetration can be attributed to several factors, including poor infrastructure, high costs of connectivity, and low literacy rates. Additionally, the political instability that has historically affected Guinea-Bissau may have hindered investments in technology and communication sectors.
As a point of comparison, countries in the region tend to have varying internet usage rates, but many are significantly higher than that of Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the need for continued development in digital access and education. The country's internet access has since improved, but in 2007, it was indicative of a broader digital divide affecting many developing nations.
Jordan
In 2007, Jordan ranked 97th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage rate, with 20% of its population having access to the internet. This statistic reflects the country's gradual integration into the digital age, as internet usage was still in its nascent stages in many regions.
The relatively low internet penetration rate can be attributed to several factors, including limited infrastructure, economic challenges, and a lack of widespread digital literacy. Moreover, the political landscape and regional stability may have also influenced the speed and extent of internet adoption in the country.
As a point of comparison, internet usage rates in neighboring countries were generally higher, indicating a regional variance in technology adoption. Over the following years, Jordan has made significant strides in improving internet accessibility, which has led to increased engagement in various sectors, including education and commerce.
Afghanistan
In 2007, Afghanistan ranked 170th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage rate, with only 1.9% of its population having access to the internet. This low percentage reflects the country's challenging post-conflict environment, limited infrastructure, and the ongoing socio-political issues that have hindered technological development.
Several factors contributed to this statistic, including a lack of telecommunications infrastructure, economic instability, and widespread illiteracy, which collectively restricted the population's ability to access and utilize internet services. Additionally, the country faced significant barriers to connectivity, such as a lack of electricity in rural areas and limited government investment in technology.
In contrast, as global internet penetration was rapidly increasing, Afghanistan's internet usage highlighted the digital divide between developed and developing nations. By the end of the decade, efforts to improve telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile networks, began to emerge, which indicated potential for growth in internet access in subsequent years.
Austria
In 2007, Austria had an impressive internet usage rate of 69.37%, ranking 21st out of 210 countries worldwide. This statistic indicates that a significant proportion of the Austrian population was engaged with the internet, highlighting the country's advanced digital infrastructure and high standard of living.
The relatively high internet penetration can be attributed to several factors, including Austria's robust telecommunications sector, widespread availability of broadband services, and a strong emphasis on education and technology. Additionally, the country benefits from high levels of urbanization, where access to internet services is more readily available compared to rural areas.
Interestingly, this rate reflects a growing trend across Europe during this period, as many countries were rapidly adopting internet technologies, leading to increased connectivity and digital communication. By 2007, Austria's internet usage was already paving the way for future digital innovations and e-commerce growth within the region.
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands achieved an impressive internet usage rate of 75.98% in 2007, ranking 10th out of 210 countries in terms of internet penetration. This high level of connectivity can be attributed to the islands' small population, which facilitates widespread access to digital technology.
Several factors contributed to this statistic, including the progressive development of telecommunications infrastructure and a high level of education among the population, which promotes digital literacy. Additionally, the government and local businesses have invested in enhancing internet services, making them more accessible to residents.
As a point of interest, the high internet usage rate reflects a broader trend in many developed regions, where the integration of technology into daily life has become essential for communication, commerce, and information access. This trend has continued to evolve in the Faroe Islands, bolstering its position as a digitally connected society.
Eswatini
In 2007, Eswatini ranked 153rd out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with an internet penetration rate of just 4.1% of the population. This relatively low percentage highlights the country's limited access to digital technology and the internet at that time.
The low internet usage rate in Eswatini can be attributed to several factors, including infrastructure challenges, high costs of internet services, and lower levels of digital literacy. Additionally, the country's economy, which largely relies on agriculture and a limited industrial base, may not have supported widespread internet adoption.
As a related statistic, it is noteworthy that the overall internet usage rate in Africa was around 7.5% in the same year, indicating that Eswatini's usage was below the continental average. This context underscores the broader challenges faced by many countries in the region in terms of digital access and connectivity.
Iceland
Iceland achieved an impressive internet usage rate of 90.6% in 2007, ranking 1st out of 210 countries in terms of the percentage of the population using the internet. This high level of internet penetration can be attributed to several factors, including the country's advanced telecommunications infrastructure, high levels of education, and a strong emphasis on digital literacy among its citizens.
The geographical and demographic characteristics of Iceland, including a small population spread across a vast area, have also influenced the rapid adoption of internet technologies. Furthermore, the Icelandic government has actively promoted the development of a digital economy, which has facilitated access to the internet for both urban and rural populations.
In a broader context, Iceland's commitment to technological advancement has positioned it as a leader in internet usage, reflecting a trend seen in many Nordic countries that prioritize digital access and innovation. This has not only enhanced communication and information access but has also contributed to Iceland's economic growth and societal development.
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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