The internet continues to grow rapidly, connecting 5.52 billion people worldwide—approximately 67.5% of the global population. Its role has become increasingly indispensable in communication, business, and access to information.
Mobile internet is a key driver of this digital revolution, enabling more than half of the world’s population to stay connected via smartphones. While mobile internet speeds keep improving, disparities in connection quality remain, with some countries leading the way while others lag behind. This trend continues to shape global economies and societal dynamics.
Internet speed differences between countries are still significant, with the Middle East and Asia leading in the fastest connections. These rankings are more than just numbers—they reflect service quality, technological advancements, and the overall user experience in accessing the internet worldwide.
According to data from Global Relocate, here is the list of countries with the fastest and slowest internet speeds in the world.
Top 10 Countries with the Fastest Internet Speeds in the World
| Country | Internet Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|
| Qatar | 286.42 |
| United Arab Emirates | 284.21 |
| Kuwait | 216.96 |
| South Korea | 173.95 |
| Denmark | 157.94 |
| China | 144.85 |
| Norway | 141.4 |
| Iceland | 136.91 |
| Netherlands | 134.15 |
| Saudi Arabia | 125.19 |
Data from Global Relocate shows that Qatar has the fastest internet in the world, averaging 286.42 Mbps, thanks to significant investments in telecommunications infrastructure and 5G development.
Saudi Arabia rounds out the top ten with 125.19 Mbps, aligning with its digital ambitions under Vision 2030.
Top 10 Countries with the Slowest Internet Speeds in the World
| Country | Internet Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|
| East Timor | 3.34 |
| Cuba | 3.84 |
| Afghanistan | 5.07 |
| Sudan | 7.5 |
| Tajikistan | 8.14 |
| Haiti | 8.38 |
| Yemen | 8.87 |
| Bolivia | 9.92 |
| Venezuela | 11.43 |
| Belarus | 11.86 |
On the other hand, some countries still struggle with slow internet speeds due to limited infrastructure, economic challenges or ongoing conflicts. Timor-Leste has the world's slowest Internet, followed by Cuba and Afghanistan, all of which face significant barriers to telecommunications development.
Other countries on the list include Sudan, Tajikistan, Haiti, Yemen, Bolivia, and Venezuela. Factors such as poverty, conflict, and natural disasters have hindered the growth of their digital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Belarus rounds out the list, where strict government control over telecommunications services has further limited internet speed.
