Top 20 countries with largest Sheep population

Sheep, domesticated over 10,000 years ago, have long been integral to human societies worldwide. Today, the global sheep population stands at around 1.2 billion, playing crucial roles in agriculture, economy, and culture across the continents.

Asia leads the world in sheep numbers, with China, India, and Iran as major contributors. China alone accounts for over 20% of the world's sheep population. In Europe, countries like Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Spain boast significant sheep populations, supporting diverse farming practices from meat and wool production to landscape management.

In Africa, sheep farming is widespread, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia, where traditional husbandry methods persist alongside modern practices. Similarly, in Oceania, Australia and New Zealand dominate the sheep industry, renowned for their vast pastoral landscapes and high-quality wool production.

The Americas, though less prominent on the global stage, still host substantial sheep populations, with Argentina, the United States, and Brazil as notable players.

Despite their ubiquity, sheep face challenges ranging from climate change and habitat loss to diseases and predation. However, innovative breeding programs, improved management practices, and technological advancements offer hope for sustainable sheep farming in the future.

As the world evolves, the sheep population adapts, remaining an enduring symbol of human-animal partnership and resilience in the face of change.

1. China
173.1M
2. India
68.1M
3. Australia
63.5M
4. Nigeria
47.7M
5. Iran
46.6M
6. Ethiopia
42.9M
7. Turkey
42.1M
8. Sudan
40.9M
9. Chad
38.7M
10. United Kingdom
35.6M
10 Pakistan
32.7M
11. Algeria
31.2M
12. Mongolia
30.9M
14. New Zealand
30M
15. Kenya
26M
16. Morocco
25.3M
17. South Africa
25M
18. Russia
22.1M
19. Brazil
21.6M .
20. Uzbekistan
20.6M