Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population) 2016

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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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Iceland	98.24 %
2	Bahrain	98 %
3	Bermuda	98 %
4	Denmark	96.968 %
5	Faroe Islands	95.109 %
6	Gibraltar	94.445 %
7	Aruba	93.543 %
8	Japan	93.183 %
9	Canada	91.16 %
10	Brunei Darussalam	90 %
11	Andorra	89.7 %
12	Finland	87.704 %
13	China, Hong Kong SAR	87.479 %
14	Estonia	87.24 %
15	Australia	86.54 %
16	Belgium	86.517 %
17	Kuwait	85.6 %
18	Austria	84.324 %
19	Germany	84.165 %
20	Chile	83.559 %
21	Ireland	83.5 %
22	China, Macao SAR	81.643 %
23	Bahamas	80 %
24	Latvia	79.842 %
25	Israel	79.653 %
26	France	79.27 %
27	Hungary	79.259 %
28	Cayman Islands	79 %
29	Azerbaijan	78.2 %
30	British Virgin Islands	77.701 %
31	Guam	77.01 %
32	Czech Republic	76.481 %
33	Cyprus	75.9 %
34	Kazakhstan	74.588 %
35	Croatia	72.697 %
36	Barbados	72.2 %
37	Belarus	71.113 %
38	Antigua and Barbuda	70.974 %
39	Argentina	70.969 %
40	Greece	69.088 %
41	Greenland	68.501 %
42	French Polynesia	68.44 %
43	Dominica	67.03 %
44	Costa Rica	65.88 %
45	Armenia	64.346 %
46	Dominican Republic	63.871 %
47	Curaçao	61.856 %
48	Italy	61.324 %
49	Brazil	60.873 %
50	Bosnia and Herzegovina	60.257 %
51	Bulgaria	59.826 %
52	Albania	59.6 %
53	Georgia	58.459 %
54	Colombia	58.137 %
55	Jordan	56.15 %
56	Ecuador	54.063 %
57	Grenada	53.3 %
58	Iran	53.227 %
59	China	53.2 %
60	Cabo Verde	50.323 %
61	Fiji	49.42 %
62	Gabon	48.052 %
63	Bhutan	46.5 %
64	Belize	44.576 %
65	Jamaica	44.367 %
66	Cuba	42.979 %
67	Algeria	42.946 %
68	Botswana	42.258 %
69	Egypt	41.248 %
70	Côte d'Ivoire	41.208 %
71	Kyrgyzstan	40.5 %
72	Bolivia	39.698 %
73	Guyana	35.66 %
74	Guatemala	34.509 %
75	Cambodia	32.399 %
76	Djibouti	30.8 %
77	Honduras	29.528 %
78	El Salvador	28.997 %
79	Eswatini	28.57 %
80	Ghana	28 %
81	Indonesia	25.447 %
82	Equatorial Guinea	23.78 %
83	Angola	23.2 %
84	Haiti	22.8 %
85	Laos	21.87 %
86	Cameroon	20.6 %
87	Gambia	19.9 %
88	Iraq	19.9 %
89	Kiribati	19.419 %
90	Bangladesh	18.1 %
91	Kenya	16.6 %
92	India	16.5 %
93	Ethiopia	15.367 %
94	Benin	14.5 %
95	Guinea-Bissau	13.8 %
96	Guinea	13.1 %
97	Afghanistan	11 %
98	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	10.1 %
99	Congo	8.122 %
100	Comoros	7.938 %
101	Burkina Faso	7.14 %
102	Chad	5.8 %
103	Central African Republic	3.1 %
104	Burundi	2.2 %
105	Eritrea	1.177 %
106	Kosovo	NaN %
107	Lebanon	76.11 %
108	Lesotho	32.454 %
109	Liberia	15.7 %
110	Libya	NaN %
111	Luxembourg	98.137 %
112	Liechtenstein	98.094 %
113	Norway	97.298 %
114	Monaco	95.208 %
115	Qatar	95.125 %
116	Netherlands	90.411 %
117	New Zealand	86.5 %
118	Malaysia	78.788 %
119	Malta	78.075 %
120	Oman	76.845 %
121	Lithuania	74.377 %
122	Poland	73.301 %
123	Russia	73.091 %
124	North Macedonia	72.157 %
125	Republic of Moldova	71 %
126	Portugal	70.424 %
127	Montenegro	69.882 %
128	Puerto Rico	68.644 %
129	Saint Kitts and Nevis	67 %
130	Mexico	59.54 %
131	Romania	59.504 %
132	Maldives	59.5 %
133	Morocco	58.271 %
134	Panama	54 %
135	Paraguay	53.404 %
136	Mauritius	52.191 %
137	Peru	45.462 %
138	Philippines	39.2 %
139	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	33.352 %
140	Namibia	31.033 %
141	Marshall Islands	29.788 %
142	Nicaragua	24.572 %
143	Nigeria	24.1 %
144	Mongolia	22.266 %
145	Nepal	20.7 %
146	Mauritania	19.233 %
147	Myanmar	16 %
148	Mali	14 %
149	Mozambique	7 %
150	Malawi	6.3 %
151	Madagascar	4.714 %
152	Nauru	NaN %
153	New Caledonia	NaN %
154	Pakistan	12.385 %
155	Niger	4.323 %
156	North Korea	NaN %
157	Palau	NaN %
158	United Kingdom	94.776 %
159	South Korea	92.843 %
160	United Arab Emirates	90.6 %
161	Sweden	89.651 %
162	Switzerland	89.135 %
163	United States	85.544 %
164	Singapore	84.452 %
165	Spain	80.561 %
166	Slovakia	80.476 %
167	Slovenia	75.499 %
168	Saudi Arabia	74.879 %
169	Trinidad and Tobago	67.8 %
170	Serbia	67.057 %
171	Uruguay	66.4 %
172	Venezuela	60 %
173	State of Palestine	59.9 %
174	United States Virgin Islands	59.608 %
175	Turkey	58.348 %
176	Saint Lucia	58.223 %
177	Seychelles	56.515 %
178	South Africa	54 %
179	Ukraine	53.001 %
180	Vietnam	53 %
181	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	51.5 %
182	Tunisia	49.6 %
183	Thailand	47.505 %
184	Uzbekistan	46.791 %
185	Tonga	39.95 %
186	Samoa	31.7 %
187	San Marino	NaN %
188	Suriname	45.4 %
189	Syrian Arab Republic	31.87 %
190	Tuvalu	31 %
191	Sao Tome and Principe	28 %
192	Senegal	25.665 %
193	Yemen	24.579 %
194	Vanuatu	24 %
195	Zimbabwe	23.12 %
196	Sri Lanka	22.19 %
197	Timor-Leste	21.2 %
198	Tajikistan	20.47 %
199	Turkmenistan	17.99 %
200	Rwanda	14.6 %
201	Sudan	14.1 %
202	Tanzania	13.504 %
203	Sierra Leone	11.773 %
204	Togo	11.31 %
205	Solomon Islands	11.001 %
206	Zambia	10.3 %
207	Papua New Guinea	9.602 %
208	Uganda	5.9 %
209	South Sudan	3.5 %
210	Somalia	1.88 %

↑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)" for the year 2016 provides an insightful snapshot into the level of digital connectivity across the globe. This metric is pivotal in understanding how different countries engage with the digital world, reflecting both technological advancement and accessibility. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on the internet for communication, education, and commerce, examining the internet usage rate is crucial for identifying global connectivity trends and disparities.

Global Digital Leaders in 2016

In 2016, Iceland led the world with an impressive 98.24% of its population online, closely followed by Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, both with rates exceeding 98%. These countries exemplify the pinnacle of digital accessibility, where nearly every resident has internet access. This high level of connectivity aligns with their robust economies and strong technological infrastructures, indicating a direct correlation between economic prosperity and internet usage. Other notable countries include Bahrain and Bermuda, each with a 98% internet usage rate, showcasing their investments in digital infrastructures.

Challenges of the Digital Divide

Conversely, the Central African Republic recorded the lowest internet usage rate at just 3.1%, highlighting significant digital divides within the global landscape. Countries such as South Sudan, Niger, and Madagascar also displayed low connectivity rates, each below 5%. These figures underscore the challenges faced by developing nations, where limited infrastructure, economic barriers, and political instability hinder internet access. The stark contrast between the top and bottom countries emphasizes the urgent need for policy interventions and international support to bridge this digital gap.

Regional Trends and Shifts

Analyzing regional trends in 2016 reveals that Europe dominated the upper echelon of internet usage rates, reflecting its well-established digital ecosystems. Meanwhile, African nations predominantly occupied the lower end of the spectrum, pointing to regional disparities in technology adoption and access. These patterns highlight the influence of geographic and socio-economic factors on internet accessibility, with advanced economies typically exhibiting higher connectivity rates. In Asia, a country like Qatar stood out with a high internet usage rate of 95.12%, driven by rapid technological advancements and government initiatives to boost digital literacy.

Year-over-Year Progress and Setbacks

In 2016, the average internet usage rate increased by 3.28 percentage points, marking a 14.6% rise from the previous year. Cambodia experienced the most significant surge, with internet usage jumping by 25.97 percentage points, a remarkable 403.6% increase. This dramatic growth can be attributed to government policies promoting digital inclusion and the proliferation of mobile internet services. Similarly, the United States and Georgia saw noteworthy increases of over 10 percentage points, reflecting broader trends of technological integration. Conversely, Germany experienced a slight decline of 3.42 percentage points, raising questions about saturation levels in highly developed markets.

Future Outlook and Implications

As we look beyond 2016, the continued expansion of internet access remains a critical goal for global development. Efforts to close the digital divide are essential, particularly in low-connectivity regions, to ensure equitable access to information and opportunities. The trends observed in 2016 suggest a burgeoning digital transformation in several countries, driven by both economic incentives and technological advancements. Policymakers and stakeholders are encouraged to prioritize infrastructure investments and educational initiatives that foster digital literacy, paving the way for a more inclusive digital future.

The 2016 "Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population)" highlights both achievements and challenges in the global digital landscape. While some countries have near-universal internet access, others remain on the fringes, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments and international cooperation to enhance connectivity worldwide.

Insights by country

Russia

In 2016, Russia ranked 59th out of 210 countries in terms of Internet usage rate, with 73.09% of the population having access to the Internet. This level of connectivity reflects significant progress in digital infrastructure and the growing importance of the Internet in Russian society.

The relatively high Internet usage rate can be attributed to various factors, including the country's extensive telecommunications networks, urbanization, and the increasing penetration of mobile devices. As more citizens gain access to the Internet, it has facilitated the growth of e-commerce, social media, and online services across the nation.

Furthermore, by 2016, the Russian government had also invested in initiatives to enhance the digital economy, which further promoted Internet access. However, it is important to note that while urban areas exhibit high connectivity, rural regions often lag behind, highlighting a digital divide within the country.

Eswatini

In 2016, Eswatini ranked 144th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with an internet usage rate of 28.57% of its population. This relatively low percentage reflects the challenges faced by the nation in terms of digital infrastructure and access to technology.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including limited telecommunications infrastructure, high costs of internet access, and economic constraints that affect the population's ability to connect to the internet. Additionally, urban-rural disparities in access to technology further exacerbate the situation, as urban areas typically enjoy better connectivity than rural regions.

Despite these challenges, the government of Eswatini has recognized the importance of improving internet access and has initiated various programs aimed at enhancing digital literacy and expanding infrastructure. As of 2016, the country was also part of the broader trend in Africa, where many nations were experiencing rapid growth in internet connectivity driven by mobile technology.

Djibouti

In 2016, Djibouti ranked 140th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage rate, with approximately 30.8% of the population having access to the internet. This statistic highlights the developing nature of Djibouti's digital infrastructure and the challenges faced in expanding internet accessibility across the nation.

The relatively low internet penetration can be attributed to factors such as limited infrastructure, economic constraints, and geographical challenges. As a small, coastal country in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti's internet development is also influenced by its strategic position as a telecommunications hub, which has the potential to improve connectivity in the region.

Interestingly, internet usage in Djibouti has been gradually increasing, reflecting broader trends in technology adoption across Africa. In comparison, other African nations have varied significantly in their internet penetration rates, with countries like Nigeria and South Africa boasting rates exceeding 50%. This disparity underscores the need for targeted investments in digital infrastructure and services to enhance connectivity in Djibouti.

Indonesia

In 2016, Indonesia had an internet usage rate of 25.4474%, ranking 148th out of 210 countries in terms of the percentage of its population that accessed the internet. This relatively low penetration rate can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the vast geographical dispersion of the Indonesian archipelago, which comprises over 17,000 islands, complicating infrastructure development.

The digital divide is exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities, with urban areas experiencing significantly higher internet access compared to rural regions. Additionally, the high costs of internet services and devices can limit accessibility for many Indonesians. Despite these challenges, the country has shown a growing trend in internet adoption, driven by increased mobile phone usage and government initiatives aimed at improving digital infrastructure.

As of 2016, Indonesia's internet landscape was characterized by a burgeoning interest in social media, with platforms like Facebook and Instagram gaining significant popularity, indicating a shift towards greater digital engagement among the population. This growth in internet utilization was expected to continue, reflecting broader global trends towards connectivity.

Australia

In 2016, Australia ranked 26th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage rate, with an impressive 86.54% of its population utilizing the internet. This high rate reflects Australia's advanced digital infrastructure and widespread access to technology.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including the country's robust telecommunications network, high levels of urbanization, and a strong emphasis on education and technology adoption. The availability of affordable internet services and government initiatives promoting digital literacy have also played significant roles in increasing internet accessibility.

Additionally, as of 2016, Australia was experiencing a growing trend in mobile internet usage, which further boosted the overall internet penetration rate. The country's commitment to enhancing digital services continues to impact its internet usage positively, aligning with global trends towards increased connectivity.

Iraq

In 2016, Iraq ranked 165th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with a penetration rate of 19.9% of its population having access to the internet. This relatively low percentage reflects the significant challenges faced by the country in terms of infrastructure, security, and economic stability.

The limited internet access can be attributed to several factors, including ongoing conflict, political instability, and inadequate telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, the economic conditions in Iraq, compounded by the effects of war, have hindered investment in technology and connectivity.

It is noteworthy that despite the challenges, there has been a gradual increase in internet usage over the years, driven by the expansion of mobile networks and the growing demand for digital services. As of 2016, many countries in the region were experiencing higher internet penetration rates, highlighting the disparities in technological access and development.

Cuba

Cuba ranked 122nd out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage rate in 2016, with 42.98% of the population having access to the internet. This figure reflects a significant increase in internet accessibility compared to previous years, driven by government initiatives aimed at improving connectivity.

Several factors contributed to the relatively low internet usage rate in Cuba at that time. The country's historical restrictions on internet access, coupled with infrastructural challenges and limited economic resources, have constrained the expansion of digital services. Additionally, the state-controlled nature of internet service provision has also limited the growth of private sector internet initiatives.

Despite these challenges, Cuba has made strides in enhancing its internet infrastructure, particularly through the expansion of public Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile internet services. This development highlights a broader trend of increasing digital engagement among Cubans, as evidenced by growing mobile phone ownership and social media usage across the island.

Central African Republic

In 2016, the Central African Republic ranked 200 out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage, with a mere 3.1% of the population having access to the internet. This low penetration rate reflects significant challenges in telecommunications infrastructure and accessibility in the country.

The limited internet usage can be attributed to a range of factors, including ongoing political instability, economic difficulties, and inadequate investment in communication technologies. Additionally, many regions lack the necessary infrastructure, such as reliable electricity and internet service providers, further hindering access.

Interestingly, the Central African Republic's internet usage rate is one of the lowest globally, highlighting the digital divide that exists not only within the country but also in comparison to other nations, where internet access has become increasingly essential for education, business, and connectivity.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ranks 78th out of 210 countries in terms of internet usage rate, with approximately 65.88% of its population utilizing the internet in the year 2016. This statistic reflects a growing trend in digital connectivity within the country, driven by advancements in technology and infrastructure.

The relatively high internet usage rate in Costa Rica can be attributed to several factors, including the government's investment in telecommunications, the proliferation of mobile devices, and an increasing emphasis on digital literacy and education. Additionally, the country's stable political environment and commitment to economic development have fostered conditions conducive to technological adoption.

Notably, Costa Rica's internet penetration rate is higher than the global average for that year, indicating a robust interest and engagement with digital platforms among its citizens. The growth of e-commerce and online services in the region further exemplifies the potential for continued expansion in internet accessibility and usage.

Bangladesh

In 2016, Bangladesh had an internet usage rate of 18.1%, ranking 168th out of 210 countries in terms of internet penetration. This relatively low percentage reflects the challenges faced in expanding digital access throughout the country, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is less developed.

Several factors contributed to this modest internet usage rate, including limited infrastructure, high poverty levels, and a predominant reliance on mobile networks over fixed-line connections. Additionally, the educational landscape and digital literacy levels also played crucial roles in shaping access and usage patterns among the population.

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has made significant strides in recent years to improve internet access, with the government actively promoting digital inclusion initiatives. The growth of mobile telecommunications has been notable, and as of 2016, the country was beginning to embrace the potential of the internet for economic growth and social 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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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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