Where Do Overseas Chinese Live? The Largest Diasporas by Country

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Over the past few decades, the Chinese diaspora has grown into one of the largest and most influential in the world. Chinese nationals have settled across the globe, forming significant communities throughout Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Their impact is felt not only in the economic sphere but also in culture, education, and politics.

Visual Capitalist published an infographic based on Statista data for 2023, highlighting where overseas Chinese populations are concentrated.

According to the report, the total number of Chinese living outside of China exceeds 50 million. The largest diasporas are in Southeast Asia—a region that historically became the first major destination for Chinese emigration starting in the 19th century.

Leading Countries by Overseas Chinese Population

Indonesia
With 11.2 million people of Chinese origin, Indonesia hosts the world’s largest Chinese diaspora. These communities play a key role in the local economy, particularly in trade and industry.

Thailand
Thailand ranks second with around 7 million ethnic Chinese. Most are well-integrated into Thai society while maintaining strong cultural and familial ties to their Chinese heritage.

Malaysia
Malaysia is third, with about 6.9 million Chinese—roughly a quarter of the population. Chinese Malaysians are active in politics and business, shaping the country's economic landscape.

Singapore
Singapore is a unique case where Chinese make up around 76% of the population, or 3.1 million people. Chinese culture, language, and traditions are deeply embedded in the nation’s identity, making Singapore a key cultural hub of the Chinese diaspora.

United States
The U.S. has the largest Chinese community in the West, with approximately 5.8 million people. Immigration began in the 19th century during the Gold Rush and railroad construction, and intensified in the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, the Chinese American population is active in tech, science, education, and business, with many families sending children to elite universities, especially on the West Coast.

Canada
Canada is home to about 2 million Chinese residents, mostly in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Education and entrepreneurship are major focus areas, and the country is a top destination for wealthy Chinese investors.

Australia
Australia hosts 1.5 million Chinese, who are heavily involved in the real estate market and startup ecosystem, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

France
France has the largest Chinese population in Europe—around 800,000. It is followed by:

UK – 500,000

Italy – 300,000

Though smaller than their Asian and North American counterparts, these communities are growing rapidly, especially in urban centers like Paris, London, and Milan, where Chinatowns are thriving cultural and commercial districts.

South Africa
Surprisingly, South Africa has a significant Chinese population of about 500,000, largely due to China's investments in African infrastructure and migration tied to these business projects.

A Diverse Global Community

The Chinese diaspora is far from homogeneous. It includes multi-generational communities, recent immigrants, wealthy entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals.

China currently ranks first in the world for the number of high-net-worth individuals moving abroad. These migrants typically invest in real estate, business, and education to secure a better future for their families.

Moreover, Chinese students consistently top the charts for international enrollment in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Conclusion

The Chinese diaspora continues to play a critical role in the global economy and cultural diversity. Given China’s ongoing economic transformations, the size and influence of overseas Chinese communities are expected to grow even further in the coming years.