How Many People Use the Internet Globally?

As of 2023, approximately 5.3 billion people use the internet worldwide, representing about 66% of the global population. This means that roughly two-thirds of humanity has some form of internet access, while one-third—approximately 2.7 billion people—remain offline. The growth in internet adoption has been remarkable over the past two decades, increasing from just 738 million users (12% of the world population) in 2000 to today’s billions of connected individuals. Mobile internet access has been particularly transformative, with smartphones becoming the primary internet connection device for billions of users, especially in regions where fixed broadband infrastructure is limited.

What Are the Regional Disparities in Internet Accessibility?

Internet penetration rates vary dramatically across different regions of the world. North America and Europe lead with approximately 90-95% of their populations having internet access. In contrast, regions like Sub-Saharan Africa have significantly lower internet penetration rates, with only about 30-40% of the population online. Asia, despite being home to the largest number of internet users in absolute terms (over 2.7 billion), still has substantial room for growth with around 60% internet penetration. These regional disparities highlight how geography, economic development, and infrastructure investment impact internet accessibility, which in turn affects access to digital financial services.

How Are Internet Demographics Changing Over Time?

The demographic profile of internet users has evolved significantly over the past decade. Initially dominated by younger, urban, and wealthier populations, internet usage has gradually become more representative of broader society. Today’s internet user base is increasingly diverse in terms of age, with seniors representing one of the fastest-growing segments in many developed markets. Gender disparities in internet access are narrowing globally but remain significant in certain regions. For example, women in low and middle-income countries are still approximately 20% less likely to use mobile internet than men, creating an additional barrier to accessing digital financial tools and services.

What Impact Does Internet Access Have on Financial Inclusion?

Internet access has become a critical component of financial inclusion worldwide. Digital connectivity enables access to financial services for populations previously excluded from traditional banking systems. Mobile banking, digital wallets, and online payment systems have revolutionized how people manage money, particularly in regions with limited physical banking infrastructure. Studies show that countries with higher internet penetration rates typically demonstrate greater levels of financial inclusion. For instance, in Kenya, the widespread adoption of mobile internet has facilitated the success of M-Pesa, providing banking services to millions previously unbanked. Conversely, limited internet access in rural and developing regions continues to be a significant barrier to expanding financial inclusion.

How Do Bandwidth and Connection Quality Vary Worldwide?

Internet access is not simply a binary state—the quality of that access varies tremendously across regions and demographic groups. While developed nations increasingly enjoy high-speed fiber and 5G connections, many developing countries still rely primarily on slower mobile connections or limited broadband infrastructure. The average global internet connection speed is approximately 64 Mbps for fixed broadband and 30 Mbps for mobile connections, but these figures mask extreme variations. Users in countries like South Korea, Norway, and Singapore enjoy average speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, while those in many African and South Asian countries may experience speeds below 10 Mbps. These disparities in connection quality directly impact users’ ability to access sophisticated digital financial services, with slow or unreliable connections creating friction in online banking, digital payments, and investment platforms.

What Are the Cost Barriers to Internet Access?

The affordability of internet access remains a significant barrier to adoption in many regions. While internet costs have generally decreased over time, they still represent a substantial portion of income for many households in developing economies. In high-income countries, the cost of basic broadband typically represents less than 2% of average monthly income, while in low-income countries, it can exceed 20%. Mobile data costs demonstrate similar disparities, with 1GB of mobile data costing less than 1% of monthly income in wealthy nations but potentially more than 10% in the poorest countries.

Region	Average Cost of 1GB Mobile Data (% of Monthly Income)	Fixed Broadband Cost (% of Monthly Income)	Internet Penetration Rate
North America	0.5%	1.2%	92%
Europe	0.8%	1.5%	89%
Asia Pacific	2.5%	3.8%	62%
Latin America	3.2%	5.6%	75%
Africa	8.76%	18.3%	43%

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Conclusion

Internet usage statistics reveal a world that is increasingly connected yet still marked by significant digital divides. As financial services continue to migrate online, understanding these disparities becomes essential for developing inclusive digital finance strategies. While progress in expanding internet access has been substantial, addressing the remaining gaps—whether geographic, demographic, or economic—will be crucial for achieving greater global financial inclusion. The continued expansion of internet infrastructure, coupled with efforts to improve affordability and digital literacy, will play a vital role in connecting the remaining third of humanity and providing them with access to the digital financial ecosystem.