Global AveragesGlobal Averages

    Global Average Hospital Beds

    Last updated: February 3, 2026

    2.9

    per 1,000

    The global average is approximately 2.9 hospital beds per 1,000 people. South Korea leads major nations at 12.7, Japan has 12.6, while India has just 0.5 and many African nations have under 1.0. COVID-19 exposed bed shortages worldwide.

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    Historical Trend

    Source: WHO

    Global Average Hospital Beds by Country

    Country Value (per 1,000) ↓Source
    South Korea12.7KOSIS
    Japan12.6MHLW
    Germany7.9Destatis
    Russia7.1Rosstat
    France5.7DREES
    China4.3NHC
    Australia3.8AIHW
    United States2.8AHA
    Canada2.5CIHI
    United Kingdom2.4NHS
    Saudi Arabia2.2MOH
    Brazil2.1DATASUS
    United Arab Emirates1.4MOHAP
    Pakistan0.6MOH
    India0.5NHP
    Nigeria0.4WHO

    Why This Average Exists

    Hospital bed density indicates healthcare system capacity to handle both routine care and health emergencies like pandemics.

    Factors That Affect Global Average Hospital Beds

    • Healthcare spending
    • Population aging
    • Outpatient care shift
    • Government policy
    • Private sector investment
    • Disease burden

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Methodology & Data Sources

    The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

    Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

    All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.

    Further Reading