Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population) 2011
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
Belgium - #4
Andorra - #5
Australia - #6
Austria - #7
Bahrain - #8
China, Hong Kong SAR - #9
Czech Republic - #10
Cayman Islands
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #210
Tanzania - #209
Zambia - #208
Timor-Leste - #207
Turkmenistan - #206
Sudan - #205
Sri Lanka - #204
South Sudan - #203
Sierra Leone - #202
Somalia - #201
Togo
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2011, the landscape of global connectivity witnessed significant shifts as countries around the world embraced the digital age at varying rates. The "Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population)" serves as an essential measure of digital accessibility, reflecting the proportion of each nation's population that had access to the internet. This statistic not only highlights technological adoption but also underscores socio-economic and infrastructural disparities across the globe.
Top Connected Nations in 2011
The Nordic countries, renowned for their technological advancements and high quality of life, dominated the top spots in internet connectivity in 2011. Iceland led the world with an astounding 94.82% of its population online, showcasing a near-universal internet penetration. Close behind were Norway (93.49%) and Sweden (92.77%), both countries benefiting from robust digital infrastructures and governmental policies promoting digital literacy and access. The Netherlands (91.42%) and Luxembourg (90.03%) also featured prominently, underscoring their commitment to integrating digital services into everyday life. These nations set the benchmark for internet accessibility, illustrating how a strong technological framework can drive comprehensive digital inclusion.
Digital Disparities: The Bottom Spectrum
In stark contrast, the bottom ranks of the internet usage rate revealed substantial digital disparities. Myanmar recorded the lowest internet penetration, with only 0.98% of its population online. Other countries with minimal digital access included Ethiopia (1.1%), Burundi (1.11%), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1.2%), highlighting the persistent challenges these nations faced in establishing widespread internet infrastructure. Many of these countries grappled with political instability, economic constraints, and limited technological investments, resulting in significant portions of their populations remaining offline.
Regional Insights and Trends
Analyzing internet usage by region in 2011 reveals intriguing patterns and trends. Europe emerged as the most connected continent, with numerous countries surpassing the 80% threshold. This trend was largely driven by strong economic performance and prioritization of digital policy initiatives. In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa lagged considerably, with many countries struggling to reach even 5% internet penetration. The digital divide between continents highlighted the necessity for targeted international cooperation and investment to bolster digital infrastructure in less connected regions.
Noteworthy Year-Over-Year Changes
Several countries experienced significant shifts in internet usage rates from the previous year. Bahrain and the Bahamas each saw a remarkable increase of 22 percentage points, marking growth rates of 40% and 51.2%, respectively. This surge can be attributed to focused governmental efforts to enhance ICT infrastructure and increase public internet access points. Similarly, Kazakhstan witnessed a 19-point rise, reflecting an impressive 60.1% increase in connectivity, as part of a broader strategy to improve technological integration. Conversely, Morocco experienced the most notable decline, with a decrease of 5.89 percentage points, possibly reflecting socio-political disruptions affecting digital development.
Internet connectivity plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering social inclusivity. In 2011, countries with higher internet usage rates often enjoyed enhanced economic performance, as businesses leveraged digital platforms for expansion and innovation. Furthermore, increased internet access facilitated improved educational opportunities and access to information, empowering citizens to engage more actively in societal development. However, nations with limited internet access risked widening the gap in economic opportunities and social mobility, underscoring the urgent need for strategies to bridge the digital divide.
As the world continued its rapid technological advancement in 2011, the "Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population)" highlighted both the successes and challenges faced on the path to global digital inclusivity. While some countries excelled in extending internet access to their citizens, others remained on the sidelines, constrained by various socio-economic factors. These disparities emphasize the ongoing necessity for collaborative efforts to ensure equitable digital access, enabling all nations to benefit from the transformative power of the internet.
Insights by country
Switzerland
In 2011, Switzerland ranked 10th globally in terms of Internet usage rate, with an impressive 85.193% of its population utilizing the Internet. This high percentage reflects the country's advanced technological infrastructure and widespread access to digital services.
Factors contributing to this high Internet usage rate include Switzerland's robust economy, high standard of living, and significant investment in telecommunications. The country benefits from a well-developed broadband network, which facilitates easy access to online resources and services.
Additionally, Switzerland's education system emphasizes digital literacy, further encouraging Internet adoption among its citizens. As a result, Internet usage in Switzerland not only supports social connectivity but also enhances economic opportunities and access to information for its population.
Puerto Rico
In 2011, Puerto Rico had an internet usage rate of 48% of its population, ranking 75th out of 210 countries. This indicates that nearly half of the island's residents were engaged with the internet, reflecting a significant level of digital connectivity for the region at the time.
The relatively moderate internet penetration rate can be attributed to several factors, including economic challenges, infrastructure limitations, and the geographical layout of the island. Additionally, the economic situation in Puerto Rico during this period, influenced by a prolonged recession, may have impacted the ability of households to afford internet access.
Notably, the internet usage rate in Puerto Rico was lower than that of many mainland U.S. states, highlighting disparities in digital access. Despite these challenges, Puerto Rico's internet infrastructure has improved over the years, leading to an increase in connectivity and digital engagement in subsequent years.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan had an internet usage rate of 13.03% of its population in the year 2011, ranking it 142nd out of 210 countries in terms of internet connectivity. This relatively low percentage reflects the challenges faced by the nation in terms of technological infrastructure and access to digital services.
The limited internet penetration in Tajikistan can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, insufficient telecommunications infrastructure, and a rural population that often lacks access to modern technology. Despite these challenges, there has been a gradual increase in internet usage in subsequent years as the government and private sector have made efforts to expand connectivity.
Additionally, the penetration of mobile phones has contributed to an increase in internet access, with more citizens gaining access to information and services online. As of 2011, Tajikistan's internet landscape was in its early stages of development, but the growing global trend of digital engagement indicated potential for significant growth in the years to follow.
Bangladesh
In 2011, Bangladesh had an internet usage rate of 4.5%, ranking 177 out of 210 countries in terms of internet penetration. This low rate reflects the country's developing telecommunications infrastructure and limited access to technology, particularly in rural areas where most of the population resides.
The modest internet usage can be attributed to several factors, including economic challenges, low literacy rates, and a lack of investment in digital infrastructure. Furthermore, the high cost of internet services during this period also posed a barrier to wider adoption among the population.
Despite these challenges, the landscape of internet usage in Bangladesh has evolved significantly in subsequent years, with increasing mobile phone penetration and improvements in connectivity, leading to a rapid rise in online engagement in later years.
Belarus
In 2011, Belarus ranked 90th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage rate, with 39.6489% of its population accessing the internet. This figure reflects a growing digital landscape in the country, albeit still limited compared to many Western nations.
The relatively low internet penetration rate can be attributed to several factors including economic constraints, limited infrastructure, and government regulations that influence access to information and online services. Additionally, the availability of technology and affordability of internet services play significant roles in shaping the digital environment in Belarus.
Interestingly, internet usage in Belarus has shown a trend of gradual increase since 2011, aligning with broader global patterns of digital engagement. This growth is indicative of ongoing improvements in telecommunications infrastructure and increasing public awareness of the benefits of internet connectivity.
Cambodia
In 2011, Cambodia had an internet usage rate of 3.1%, ranking 185 out of 210 countries in terms of internet penetration. This low percentage reflects the nascent stage of technological infrastructure in the country at that time.
The limited internet usage can be attributed to several factors, including low levels of economic development, limited access to electricity, and high costs of internet services. Additionally, a significant portion of the population lived in rural areas where connectivity options were scarce.
Despite these challenges, Cambodia has seen significant growth in internet usage in subsequent years, spurred by improvements in technology and infrastructure, as well as increased mobile phone penetration. For context, by 2021, the internet usage rate had risen dramatically, highlighting the rapid evolution of the digital landscape in the country.
Vietnam
In 2011, Vietnam had an internet usage rate of 35.07%, ranking 102nd out of 210 countries in terms of internet penetration. This statistic reflects a growing trend in digital connectivity across the nation, driven by increasing access to technology and the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure.
The relatively low internet usage rate at this time can be attributed to several factors, including economic development, urban-rural disparities, and the initial stages of the internet economy in Vietnam. While urban areas experienced rapid technological adoption, rural regions faced challenges related to infrastructure and affordability.
As a point of interest, Vietnam's internet usage has significantly increased since 2011, demonstrating the country's commitment to enhancing digital access and fostering a knowledge-based economy. This growth aligns with broader regional trends in Southeast Asia, where internet adoption has become a crucial factor in socio-economic development.
Tonga
In 2011, Tonga had an internet usage rate of 25% of its population, ranking it 122nd out of 210 countries in terms of internet access. This statistic indicates that a quarter of the population had access to the internet, reflecting the gradual adoption of digital technology in the island nation.
The relatively low internet usage rate in Tonga can be attributed to several factors, including limited infrastructure, high costs of connectivity, and geographical challenges posed by its remote island location. Additionally, the population's reliance on traditional forms of communication and the slow pace of technological adoption in rural areas contribute to these figures.
Interestingly, the global trend at the time showed increasing internet penetration, as many countries were experiencing rapid growth in connectivity. Despite its challenges, Tonga has made strides in improving its telecommunications infrastructure since 2011, leading to a gradual increase in internet accessibility and digital literacy among its citizens.
Afghanistan
In 2011, Afghanistan had an internet usage rate of 5%, ranking it 170th out of 210 countries in the world. This low figure reflects the ongoing challenges the country faced in terms of infrastructure, access to technology, and overall economic development.
The limited internet penetration can be attributed to several factors, including political instability, ongoing conflict, and a lack of investment in telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, widespread poverty and low literacy rates have hindered the population's ability to access and utilize the internet effectively.
Despite these challenges, Afghanistan has seen gradual improvements in internet access since 2011, with efforts to expand mobile networks and increase digital literacy among the population. The growth of mobile technology has played a crucial role in providing access to information and communication tools in an otherwise constrained environment.
Saint Lucia
In 2011, Saint Lucia had an internet usage rate of 34%, ranking it 106th out of 210 countries in terms of the percentage of the population utilizing the internet. This figure reflects a growing trend in digital connectivity within the Caribbean region, as access to the internet began to expand significantly during this period.
Several factors influenced this statistic, including the country's ongoing efforts to improve telecommunications infrastructure, increased availability of mobile devices, and a rising awareness of the internet's benefits for education and business. Additionally, tourism played a role in bolstering internet usage, as visitors brought with them a demand for reliable connectivity.
By comparison, the global average internet usage rate was markedly higher, reflecting disparities in technological access and economic development. The increase in internet users in Saint Lucia has continued in subsequent years, contributing to the country's socio-economic development and integration into the global digital economy.
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.
Visit Data SourceHistorical 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.
More Communications Facts
Press Freedom Index Score
The Press Freedom Index Score measures the level of media freedom in countries worldwide. A higher score indicates stronger press independence, essential for democracy and transparency. Understanding these scores helps highlight the importance of free expression in society.
View dataBrowse All Communications
Explore more facts and statistics in this category
All Categories
Discover more categories with comprehensive global data