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Total Number of Ducks by Nation (Top 76)

Total Number of Ducks by Nation (Top 76)

Agriculture & FoodAugust 26, 2026

While ‘poultry’ is often associated primarily with chickens, ducks represent a significant segment of global livestock. FAO data from 2024 indicate that hundreds of millions of ducks are raised worldwide, with one country accounting for a disproportionately large share. This report investigates lesser-studied dimensions of global livestock statistics, focusing on trends and narratives derived from duck population data. The analysis identifies the top 18 countries with the largest duck populations and presents supporting charts, tables, and concise reference facts. The report systematically evaluates each country’s data, analyzes the factors influencing its ranking, and contextualizes findings for a range of applications. This report offers a comprehensive assessment of the global distribution and significance of duck populations.

The Importance of Duck Population Data

Duck population data provide valuable insights into geography, dietary patterns, cultural practices, and economic dynamics. Countries with extensive rivers, rice fields, and coastal deltas generally support larger duck populations than landlocked or arid countries, a trend clearly reflected in the data. Asia dominates the rankings, occupying approximately 15 of the top 18 positions, consistent with research indicating that over 80 percent of the world’s ducks are located in Asia. Ducks are less expensive to raise than chickens in wet environments, can forage for their own food, exhibit greater disease resistance, and produce eggs with higher protein content, making them essential to many rural economies. However, several Western countries also appear in the top 18, demonstrating that duck farming is not exclusive to Asia. France, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and Poland are included, reflecting significant demand for duck products outside Asia. Based on FAO’s 2024 data, this list offers a distinctive perspective on the global distribution of ducks. Each country’s statistics reveal unique narratives about agricultural practices and food systems worldwide.

China: The Undisputed Duck Superpower

China leads the global duck population by a substantial margin. With 837,564,000 ducks, the country possesses more than nine times the number found in Vietnam, the second-ranked nation. This underscores ducks’ central role in Chinese agriculture. While Peking duck is internationally recognized, it represents only one aspect of a diverse culinary tradition that includes Cantonese roast duck and salted duck eggs, both widely available in markets. Provinces such as Shandong, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Fujian have developed robust economies centered on duck farming, serving both domestic and export markets. For over two decades, research has shown that China’s share of global duck meat production ranges from 67 to 82 percent annually. Notably, China’s duck production has increased almost every year since the early 2000s. For those examining global livestock trends, China’s duck industry warrants particular attention, as no other nation exerts a comparable influence on worldwide averages.

China holds the number one spot with 837,564,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
China’s duck population outnumbers the next 17 countries on this list combined.
Shandong, Guangdong, and Fujian are considered China’s core duck-farming provinces.
Peking duck remains one of China’s most iconic culinary exports worldwide.
China has controlled over two-thirds of global duck meat output for over a decade.
Chinese duck farms supply both domestic markets and growing export demand.
Salted duck eggs are a staple ingredient found across Chinese cuisine.
China’s duck sector has expanded almost every year since the early 2000s.
No other nation has ever come close to matching China’s duck production scale.

Vietnam: Asia’s Reliable Runner-Up

Vietnam ranks second globally with 88,185,000 ducks. Although this figure is considerably lower than China’s, it remains significant globally. Duck farming is widespread in Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta, where flooded rice fields provide optimal conditions for duck rearing. Farmers frequently employ integrated rice-duck farming systems, allowing ducks to consume pests and weeds in the paddies while maturing for market. This practice, refined over generations, enhances rice yields and produces meat and eggs without requiring additional land. Most Vietnamese duck farms maintain flocks of hundreds, and research indicates profits can reach several thousand dollars per farm, depending on market prices and feed costs. Duck is integral to Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes such as vit nau chao and grilled duck prevalent in street food venues. Vietnam demonstrates that a robust, duck-centered agricultural economy does not require the scale observed in China.

The Mekong Delta region hosts some of Vietnam’s largest duck farming operations.
Integrated rice-duck farming is a common and efficient practice across Vietnam.
Vietnamese duck flocks often average around 794 birds per farm.
Duck meat and duck eggs are dietary staples across Vietnamese households.
Vietnam has battled avian influenza outbreaks that hit duck farmers hard economically.
Grilled and roasted duck dishes are common in Vietnamese street food culture.
Vietnam consistently ranks among the top three global duck producers by volume.
Farmers in Vietnam use ducks to control pests in flooded rice paddies naturally.

Bangladesh: A Nation Built On Water And Ducks

Bangladesh ranks third with 68,261,000 ducks, a figure that reflects its geographic characteristics. The country contains over 16,000 square kilometers of haor wetlands and numerous rivers, creating ideal conditions for duck farming. Ducks play a significant role in approximately 80 percent of rural communities, providing income for small-scale and landless farmers who may lack other stable employment. According to the FAO, Bangladesh ranks 11th in duck meat production and 4th in egg production among Asian countries, indicating strong efficiency. Duck farming in Bangladesh requires minimal investment but yields substantial returns, particularly for poorer rural families. Women are especially active in duck rearing because it can be done at home and requires little labor or complex equipment. Ducks account for about 22 to 25 percent of the country’s annual egg production, a proportion that has remained stable over time. Bangladesh demonstrates how diversified livestock rearing can contribute to food security in developing countries.

Bangladesh ranks third globally, with 68,261,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
Ducks are involved in roughly 80 percent of rural communities across Bangladesh.
Bangladesh ranks 4th in duck egg production among Asian nations.
The country’s haor wetlands span over 16,000 square kilometers of prime duck habitat.
Ducks contribute between 22 and 25 percent of Bangladesh’s total annual egg output.
Rural women play a major role in household-level duck farming in Bangladesh.
Duck farming requires low investment, making it accessible to landless farmers.
Bangladesh ranks 11th in overall duck meat production among Asian countries.
Coastal and haor regions remain the backbone of Bangladesh’s duck economy.

Indonesia: The Archipelago’s Hidden Duck Empire

Indonesia ranks fourth with 43,550,000 ducks, reflecting its archipelagic geography and longstanding agricultural traditions. The country’s thousands of islands encompass diverse climates, with regions such as Java and Sumatra providing wet, rice-growing environments conducive to duck farming. Indonesian duck production is closely linked to traditional herding practices, in which farmers move large flocks between rice fields after harvest, allowing ducks to consume residual grain and pests at no additional cost. This nomadic approach has persisted for generations and remains effective. Indonesia warrants greater recognition in global duck production discussions, as its duck population exceeds that of many countries more commonly associated with poultry farming. Duck eggs are frequently processed into telur asin, a salted preserved product widely available in domestic and regional markets. Indonesia’s duck sector supports millions of rural households, particularly on Java, where population density and rice cultivation are high. Indonesia shows that duck farming can thrive in a nation made up of numerous islands.

Indonesia ranks fourth globally with 43,550,000 ducks recorded for 2024.
Java and Sumatra host the majority of Indonesia’s large-scale duck farms.
Traditional duck herding across rice fields remains common practice in Indonesia.
Telur asin, a salted duck egg, is a beloved snack across Indonesian markets.
Indonesia’s duck population exceeds that of many far more industrialized nations.
Post-harvest rice fields provide natural, low-cost grazing for Indonesian duck flocks.
Duck farming supports millions of rural livelihoods across Indonesia’s islands.
Indonesia’s archipelago geography creates diverse microclimates suited to duck rearing.
Java remains the epicenter of Indonesia’s commercial duck farming industry.

India: Massive Population, Massive Duck Potential

India ranks fifth with 33,633,000 ducks, a statistic that may be unexpected given the country’s strong association with chicken production. Duck farming in India is concentrated in the eastern and northeastern states, particularly West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, where wetlands and river deltas provide optimal conditions. Historically, India’s duck sector has received less investment and infrastructure than the chicken industry, yet it still supports millions of small-scale rural farmers. Although India’s duck population is substantial, it remains a minor part of the nation’s overall livestock economy, unlike in countries such as Bangladesh, where ducks are more central. Indian duck eggs are valued for their richness and are commonly featured in regional cuisines of Kerala, West Bengal, and coastal Odisha. Given India’s large population and abundance of rivers, lakes, and wetlands, this sector has significant potential for future growth. Recent government initiatives increasingly promote duck farming as a strategy for rural poverty alleviation, drawing on successful models from Bangladesh. India thus possesses considerable untapped potential in the global duck industry, with 33,633,000 ducks recorded in 2024.

West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha are India’s leading duck-farming states.
Indian duck eggs are prized ingredients in several regional coastal cuisines.
India’s duck sector remains far smaller than its dominant poultry chicken industry.
Eastern India’s wetlands and deltas provide ideal conditions for duck rearing.
Government rural programs increasingly promote duck farming to reduce poverty.
India’s duck population represents significant untapped growth potential.
Small-scale farmers dominate India’s duck-rearing landscape across rural regions.
River networks across eastern India support extensive natural duck habitats.

France: Europe’s Duck Powerhouse

France ranks sixth globally with 22,829,000 ducks, making it the leading Western country in duck production. Duck holds a prominent place in French cuisine, with internationally recognized dishes such as duck confit, foie gras, and magret de canard. The southwest regions, notably Gascony and the Dordogne, have a long tradition of duck farming and producing specialty duck products. France’s high ranking may surprise those outside Europe, as duck farming is often perceived as predominantly Asian. French duck farms are typically smaller and more specialized than their Asian counterparts, focusing on premium products for restaurants and gourmet export markets rather than large-scale meat production. France is also among the world’s largest producers of foie gras, a product that is both celebrated and controversial. Industry data consistently place France among the top non-Asian duck producers over the past two decades, reflecting a stable, tradition-oriented sector. France demonstrates that an emphasis on quality can be as significant as quantity in the global duck industry.

France ranks sixth globally with 22,829,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
France is the leading duck-producing nation outside of Asia.
Duck confit and foie gras remain iconic staples of French culinary tradition.
Gascony and the Dordogne region anchor France’s historic duck farming industry.
French duck farms typically focus on premium, export-quality products.
France is among the world’s largest foie gras producers.
French duck production has remained relatively stable over the past two decades.
Magret de canard is one of France’s best-known duck dishes.
France’s duck sector prioritizes specialty quality over mass-scale meat output.

Russia: A Surprising Duck Contender

Russia ranks seventh with 22,195,000 ducks, a figure driven by its extensive farmland and rising demand for poultry. Although Russia is not commonly associated with duck production, its vast territory allows even moderate regional farming to produce substantial national totals. Duck farming is primarily concentrated in the southern regions and along major rivers, where favorable climate and water availability support larger flocks. Russia’s consistent ranking demonstrates how geographic scale, even without a strong culinary tradition centered on duck, can yield high livestock numbers. In recent years, Russian agricultural policy has emphasized greater self-sufficiency in meat production, and duck farming has benefited from broader sector investments. Duck meat in Russia is generally regarded as a specialty or seasonal product, rather than a staple as in much of Asia. Economic sanctions and evolving trade relationships have further incentivized Russia to enhance domestic food production across various livestock categories, including poultry. Russia demonstrates how geography and policy can elevate a country into the global top ten, even without a deeply rooted duck cuisine.

Russia ranks seventh worldwide with 22,195,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
Southern Russia and major river regions host the bulk of the nation’s duck farms.
Russia’s vast land area contributes to its surprisingly high national duck totals.
Duck meat in Russia is generally treated as a seasonal or specialty product.
Russian agricultural policy has recently pushed for greater poultry self-sufficiency.
Russia’s duck sector has grown alongside broader domestic food production goals.
Trade shifts have encouraged Russia to strengthen internal livestock production.
Russia leads most European nations in total duck population.
Duck farming in Russia remains smaller in scale compared to its chicken industry.

Thailand: Rice, Rivers, And Rapid Duck Growth

Thailand ranks eighth with 16,250,000 ducks, a figure tied to its agricultural landscape of rice fields and river deltas. Duck farming in Thailand is concentrated in the central plains, where the Chao Phraya River basin provides optimal wetland conditions for large-scale production. The country has shifted toward more commercial duck operations, integrating traditional free-range herding with modern, export-oriented systems. Thailand’s ranking reflects its status as a leading regional agricultural exporter, already recognized for significant rice and poultry exports. Duck is an important component of Thai cuisine, with dishes such as red curry duck and grilled duck salad featured across diverse dining settings. In response to previous avian influenza outbreaks, Thailand has invested in disease control and biosecurity, enabling duck farms to maintain stable output and strengthen export relationships with neighboring countries. Abundant natural resources, strong food demand, and effective export infrastructure position Thailand as a prominent participant in global duck production.

Thailand ranks eighth globally with 16,250,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
The Chao Phraya River basin supports much of Thailand’s commercial duck farming.
Thailand blends traditional free-range herding with modern commercial duck operations.
Red curry duck and grilled duck salad are staples of Thai cuisine.
Thailand has invested heavily in biosecurity following past avian influenza outbreaks.
Thailand ranks among the world’s top exporters of rice and poultry products.
Central Thailand’s plains provide ideal wetland conditions for large duck flocks.
Thai duck farms increasingly focus on export-oriented production systems.
Thailand’s poultry sector benefits from strong regional trade relationships.

Philippines: Island Nation, Steady Duck Tradition

The Philippines ranks ninth with 14,028,000 ducks, reflecting a longstanding tradition of small-scale duck farming throughout the archipelago. Balut, the renowned fermented duck egg, is central to Filipino street food culture and drives strong nationwide demand for duck eggs. Duck farming is primarily concentrated in provinces such as Pateros and regions of Luzon, where egg production has been a generational focus. The Philippines demonstrates how a single cultural product, such as balut, can sustain a national duck industry over centuries. Filipino farmers predominantly raise the itik breed, valued for its prolific egg-laying rather than meat production, distinguishing the country’s approach from others where meat is the primary output. Small family farms remain the backbone of the Philippine duck sector, even as larger commercial operations have emerged in recent years. The Philippines demonstrates that duck farming can have significant economic and cultural impact without large-scale industrialization.

Balut, a fermented duck egg delicacy, drives major demand across the Philippines.
Pateros and parts of Luzon are historic centers of Filipino duck farming.
The itik breed is favored in the Philippines for its strong egg-laying ability.
Filipino duck farming focuses primarily on egg production rather than meat.
Small family farms remain the backbone of the Philippine duck industry.
Balut has become an internationally recognized symbol of Filipino street food.
Larger commercial duck operations have recently begun to emerge in the Philippines.
The Philippines shows that cultural demand can sustain a national duck sector.

Myanmar: A Quiet Duck Giant

Myanmar ranks tenth with 11,500,000 ducks, largely due to the Irrawaddy River delta and its extensive wetlands. Although Myanmar is rarely highlighted in global agricultural discussions, industry reports indicate that its duck sector has long been among the strongest outside China. Duck farming in Myanmar is often integrated with rice cultivation, similar to practices in Vietnam and Bangladesh, helping farmers maximize land-use efficiency. Myanmar’s high ranking, despite limited international recognition, suggests considerable untapped agricultural potential in Southeast Asia beyond the more frequently cited countries. At times, Myanmar’s duck meat production has ranked second globally after China, a notable achievement for a country seldom featured in international food coverage. Political instability and economic isolation have constrained Myanmar’s export capacity, yet domestic demand for duck meat and eggs remains robust, sustaining the sector through challenging periods. Myanmar remains one of the most underrecognized countries in this ranking and merits further attention.

Myanmar ranks tenth globally with 11,500,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
The Irrawaddy River delta anchors much of Myanmar’s duck farming activity.
Some reports rank Myanmar as the second-largest duck meat producer after China.
Rice-duck integration is a common farming practice across Myanmar.
Political and economic instability has limited Myanmar’s duck export potential.
Domestic demand keeps Myanmar’s duck sector resilient despite broader challenges.
Myanmar remains one of the most underrated duck-producing nations globally.
Southeast Asia’s wetlands give Myanmar a natural agricultural advantage for ducks.
Myanmar’s duck industry receives limited international media attention despite its scale.

Malaysia: Balancing Tradition And Commercial Growth

Malaysia ranks eleventh with 9,551,000 ducks, reflecting a combination of traditional smallholder farms and increasing commercial poultry investment. Duck farming is concentrated in states such as Kedah and Perak, where rice paddies and irrigation systems support both crop and livestock production. Efforts to modernize Malaysia’s poultry sector have resulted in improved veterinary care and breeding practices, benefiting duck farming in recent years. Malaysia’s consistent ranking aligns with a broader Southeast Asian trend, where duck farming complements rice cultivation rather than standing alone as an industry. Popular Malaysian duck dishes, including braised duck and duck rendang, are integral to the country’s diverse culinary landscape. Government policy aims to enhance domestic poultry self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports, with ducks contributing to this strategy. While Malaysia’s smaller population limits its total duck numbers compared to neighbors such as Indonesia and Vietnam, productivity per farm has increased. As a result, Malaysia remains a stable contributor to global duck production, characterized by steady rather than rapid change.

Malaysia ranks eleventh globally with 9,551,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
Kedah and Perak are key duck-farming states within Malaysia.
Malaysian duck farming often pairs closely with rice paddy cultivation.
Braised duck and duck rendang are popular dishes across Malaysian cuisine.
Malaysia has invested in improved veterinary support for its poultry sector.
Government policy in Malaysia aims to boost domestic poultry self-sufficiency.
Malaysia’s smaller population naturally limits its total duck numbers compared to neighbors.
Improved breeding programs have boosted per-farm duck productivity in Malaysia.
Malaysia’s duck sector remains steady rather than rapidly expanding or shrinking.

Cambodia: Small Country, Strong Duck Presence

Cambodia ranks twelfth with 8,812,000 ducks, a notable achievement given its relatively small population and land area. Duck farming is concentrated around Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River floodplains, where seasonal flooding creates nutrient-rich environments for large flocks. Cambodian farmers often employ free-range herding, moving ducks across harvested rice fields, a practice similar to those in Vietnam and Myanmar. Cambodia’s high ranking relative to its population underscores the significance of duck farming for rural livelihoods and food security. Duck eggs are a dietary staple, frequently preserved or salted for storage, particularly in rural areas lacking refrigeration. The Tonle Sap ecosystem, recognized as one of the world’s most productive freshwater systems, provides Cambodian duck farmers with a distinct ecological advantage. The sector has also attracted support from international organizations promoting smallholder livestock initiatives in Southeast Asia. Cambodia demonstrates how favorable geography can enable a small country to achieve a prominent position in global duck production.

Cambodia ranks twelfth globally with 8,812,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
The Tonle Sap Lake floodplain anchors much of Cambodia’s duck farming activity.
Cambodian farmers commonly practice free-range duck herding across rice fields.
Preserved and salted duck eggs remain important staples in rural Cambodia.
The Tonle Sap ecosystem ranks among the world’s most productive freshwater systems.
International development groups have supported smallholder duck programs in Cambodia.
Cambodia’s duck population is impressively high relative to its overall population size.
Seasonal Mekong flooding creates ideal feeding conditions for Cambodian duck flocks.
Duck farming remains central to rural food security across much of Cambodia.

Ukraine: A War-Tested Duck Economy

Ukraine ranks thirteenth with 8,677,000 ducks, a figure of particular significance given the ongoing conflict affecting the nation’s agricultural sector. Ukraine has a longstanding poultry industry, and duck farming is an important part of it. Despite extensive war damage to farmland, infrastructure, and rural communities, Ukraine’s duck population has remained resilient, reflecting deep-rooted agricultural traditions. The country’s sustained position in the rankings, even during periods of crisis, highlights the resilience of small-scale, family-run duck farms, which depend less on large-scale infrastructure. Ukrainian duck meat has traditionally been marketed both domestically and throughout Eastern Europe, although trade routes have shifted considerably since 2022. Duck features prominently in Ukrainian cuisine, often prepared with fruit or root vegetables, consistent with broader Eastern European culinary practices. The persistence of Ukraine’s duck sector offers insight into the adaptability of rural communities under duress, reminding us that statistical data often reflect the experiences of individuals facing significant challenges.

Ukraine ranks thirteenth globally with 8,677,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
Ukraine’s duck population has shown resilience despite ongoing wartime disruption.
Small-scale and family-run farms dominate Ukraine’s duck farming landscape.
Ukrainian duck meat has traditionally served both domestic and export markets.
Trade routes for Ukrainian agricultural products have shifted significantly since 2022.
Duck dishes in Ukraine often pair fruit or root vegetables.
Ukraine’s agricultural sector has faced severe disruption from the ongoing conflict.
Rural Ukrainian communities continue farming ducks despite extraordinary hardship.
Ukraine’s duck statistics offer a glimpse into rural resilience during wartime.

Egypt: The Nile’s Enduring Duck Tradition

Egypt ranks fourteenth with 8,437,000 ducks, a figure closely linked to the Nile River and its fertile delta. Duck farming is predominantly located in the Nile Delta, where irrigation and nutrient-rich soils have supported agriculture for millennia. Egyptian duck production typically occurs on small family farms, often alongside chickens and geese, as part of diversified rural livelihoods. Egypt’s position in the rankings demonstrates the enduring influence of historical farming traditions, with duck rearing tracing back centuries. Egyptian cuisine features duck dishes commonly prepared with rice, spices, and indigenous herbs, distinguishing them from Asian or European preparations. Access to Nile water is the primary determinant of duck farming locations in Egypt, mirroring river-based agricultural patterns observed in Asia. Although Egypt’s poultry sector has faced challenges related to feed costs and economic instability in recent years, duck population levels have remained relatively stable. Egypt demonstrates how geography, particularly the presence of a major river, can shape national livestock distribution.

Egypt ranks fourteenth globally with 8,437,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
The Nile Delta serves as the primary hub for Egyptian duck farming.
Egyptian duck rearing often occurs alongside chickens and geese on family farms.
Duck farming traditions in Egypt trace back centuries within rural culture.
Egyptian duck dishes commonly feature rice, spices, and regional herb blends.
Nile River access remains the key factor shaping Egypt’s duck farming geography.
Egypt’s broader poultry sector has faced pressure from rising feed costs.
Duck numbers in Egypt have remained comparatively stable despite economic challenges.
Egypt shows how a single river system can define national livestock patterns.

United States: Duck Farming In A Land Of Chicken Giants

The United States ranks fifteenth with 8,005,000 ducks, a modest figure relative to its substantial chicken and turkey industries, but significant globally. American duck farming is concentrated in regions such as Long Island, Indiana, and parts of California, where established commercial operations are prominent. Unlike many countries in the rankings, duck farming in the United States is primarily a commercial, industrial enterprise rather than a widespread rural tradition as seen in Asia. The Pekin duck, introduced from China in the 1800s, remains the predominant breed on American farms. Demand for duck meat in the United States has increased in recent years, particularly among consumers seeking specialty and restaurant poultry options beyond chicken.

In contrast, backyard or small-scale duck farming is uncommon in Asia, with most production coming from a limited number of large commercial farms. This structure enables American duck farming to achieve high efficiency and strong export performance compared to smallholder systems elsewhere. The United States shows that strong commercial frameworks can secure a prominent position in global rankings, even without a deep-rooted duck consumption tradition.

The United States ranks fifteenth globally with 8,005,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
Long Island, Indiana, and California host major American commercial duck farms.
Pekin duck, imported from China in the 1800s, dominates U.S. commercial farming.
American duck farming operates as a niche industry compared to chicken production.
Restaurant demand has driven steady growth in U.S. duck meat consumption.
Backyard duck farming remains rare in the United States compared to Asia.
U.S. duck production concentrates among a small number of large commercial farms.
American duck operations tend to be highly efficient and export-ready.
The U.S. duck industry thrives despite lacking deep cultural consumption traditions.

North Korea: A Closed Economy’s Quiet Duck Numbers

North Korea ranks sixteenth with 7,625,000 ducks, making it one of the more enigmatic entries due to limited data transparency. Reliable agricultural statistics from North Korea are hard to verify, and this figure comes from official FAO reports. North Korea’s inclusion in the rankings is notable given the scarcity of information regarding its agricultural systems compared to other countries. Duck farming in North Korea likely includes both state-operated enterprises and smaller household-level production, consistent with patterns observed in other closed or centrally planned economies. Food security challenges have persisted in North Korea for decades, and diversifying poultry production, including ducks, likely helps supplement constrained food supplies. Due to the country’s isolation from international trade, nearly all duck production is consumed domestically rather than exported. This entry is particularly challenging to interpret because independent data are lacking. Yet, it demonstrates that duck farming persists even in some of the world’s most isolated and tightly regulated nations.

North Korea ranks sixteenth globally with 7,625,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
North Korea’s agricultural statistics remain difficult to verify independently.
Duck farming in North Korea likely supports both state and household-level food needs.
Food security challenges have shaped North Korea’s poultry farming strategies for decades.
Virtually all North Korean duck production remains within domestic borders.
North Korea’s isolation limits its participation in global poultry trade networks.
This entry represents one of the least transparent data points on the entire list.
Centrally planned agriculture likely shapes how duck farming operates in North Korea.
North Korea’s duck numbers highlight persistence of farming even under economic isolation.

Poland: Central Europe’s Duck Standout

Poland ranks seventeenth with 7,397,000 ducks, making it Central Europe’s leading duck producer. Polish duck farming is predominantly located in rural areas, where small and medium-sized farms often raise ducks alongside geese and chickens in mixed operations. Poland’s consistent ranking reflects its broader status as one of the European Union’s foremost poultry producers, despite the greater prevalence of chicken and turkey. Polish cuisine features distinct duck traditions, particularly during holidays when roast duck is occasionally served as a festive dish alongside goose. Poland has emerged as an agricultural export hub within the EU, with poultry products, including duck, benefiting from established trade networks. Compliance with EU environmental and animal welfare regulations has prompted Polish duck farms to adopt more standardized and closely monitored production practices in recent years. This approach contrasts with the smallholder systems prevalent in much of Asia, giving Poland’s duck sector a distinct character. Poland’s top-18 position demonstrates that EU agricultural systems remain globally competitive, even in sectors typically dominated by other regions.

Poland ranks seventeenth globally with 7,397,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
Poland is the leading duck-producing nation in Central Europe.
Polish farms often raise ducks alongside geese and chickens on mixed operations.
Roast duck occasionally appears as a festive dish in Polish holiday traditions.
Poland ranks among the European Union’s leading poultry producers overall.
EU regulations have pushed Polish duck farms toward standardized production practices.
Poland’s agricultural export infrastructure supports its broader poultry trade.
Animal welfare standards shape how Polish duck farms operate compared to Asia.
Poland proves EU infrastructure can compete globally in select livestock categories.

South Korea: Precision Farming Meets Duck Demand

South Korea ranks eighteenth with 7,158,000 ducks, a figure supported by a technologically advanced agricultural sector. Duck farming is concentrated in rural provinces such as Jeolla and Chungcheong, where commercial operations employ automated feeding systems and rigorous biosecurity protocols. South Korea’s inclusion in the rankings demonstrates how high farming efficiency can compensate for limited farmland compared with larger neighboring countries. Duck meat has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to pork and beef in a traditionally meat-centric diet. Korean duck dishes, including grilled duck barbecue, have become increasingly popular both domestically and among international culinary enthusiasts. Substantial investment in disease prevention, especially after avian influenza outbreaks, has helped stabilize South Korean duck production, even as other East Asian countries have faced disease-related challenges. South Korea’s top-18 position shows that robust infrastructure and evolving consumer preferences can enable smaller agricultural nations to achieve global significance.

South Korea ranks eighteenth globally with 7,158,000 ducks recorded in 2024.
Jeolla and Chungcheong provinces anchor South Korea’s commercial duck farming.
South Korean duck farms increasingly use automated feeding and biosecurity systems.
Duck meat has gained popularity in South Korea among health-conscious consumers.
Grilled duck barbecue has grown into a popular dish across South Korean restaurants.
South Korea has invested heavily in avian influenza prevention measures.
Limited farmland pushes South Korea toward highly efficient agricultural practices.
South Korea’s duck sector has remained stable despite regional disease outbreaks.
South Korea closes out the top 18 with strong infrastructure-driven production.

Here is a list of Total Number of Ducks by Nation:

Rank	Country	Total Ducks 2024
1	China	837,564,000
2	Vietnam	88,185,000
3	Bangladesh	68,261,000
4	Indonesia	43,550,000
5	India	33,633,000
6	France	22,829,000
7	Russia	22,195,000
8	Thailand	16,250,000
9	Philippines	14,028,000
10	Myanmar	11,500,000
11	Malaysia	9,551,000
12	Cambodia	8,812,000
13	Ukraine	8,677,000
14	Egypt	8,437,000
15	United States	8,005,000
16	Democratic People's Republic of Korea	7,625,000
17	Poland	7,397,000
18	Republic of Korea	7,158,000
19	Taiwan	7,113,000
20	Madagascar	4,651,000
21	Hungary	4,214,000
22	Lao People's Democratic Republic	3,743,000
23	Pakistan	3,697,000
24	Brazil	3,312,000
25	Mozambique	2,750,000
26	Argentina	2,660,000
27	Belarus	1,891,000
28	United Kingdom	1,874,000
29	Sierra Leone	1,752,000
30	Iran (Islamic Republic of)	1,599,000
31	Canada	1,494,000
32	Paraguay	1,369,000
33	United Republic of Tanzania	1,356,000
34	Australia	1,187,000
35	Nepal	797,000
36	Czechia	744,000
37	Bolivia (Plurinational State of)	648,000
38	Suriname	507,000
39	Netherlands (Kingdom of the)	470,000
40	South Africa	439,000
41	Türkiye	390,000
42	Haiti	342,000
43	Liberia	326,000
44	Ecuador	272,000
45	China, Hong Kong SAR	231,000
46	Brunei Darussalam	224,000
47	New Zealand	184,000
48	Israel	180,000
49	Norway	125,000
50	Fiji	115,000
51	Panama	114,000
52	Kyrgyzstan	99,000
53	Serbia	93,000
54	Zimbabwe	89,000
55	Algeria	63,000
56	Denmark	60,000
57	Kazakhstan	58,000
58	Bosnia and Herzegovina	54,000
59	Syrian Arab Republic	48,000
60	Equatorial Guinea	38,000
61	Mauritius	38,000
62	Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)	35,000
63	Sao Tome and Principe	34,000
64	Croatia	32,000
65	French Polynesia	30,000
66	Slovakia	27,000
67	Rwanda	24,000
68	Papua New Guinea	19,000
69	Sri Lanka	16,000
70	Central African Republic	13,000
71	Belize	12,000
72	Lithuania	12,000
73	Slovenia	12,000
74	Jordan	7,000
75	Switzerland	7,000
76	Seychelles	5,000

What This Ranking Tells Us Going Forward

A comprehensive review of this ranking reveals patterns that extend beyond individual national contexts. Asia’s dominance, with 15 of the 18 leading countries, aligns with longstanding research indicating the region’s leadership in global duck farming. Access to water consistently emerges as the primary factor distinguishing top-ranking countries, whether through the Mekong Delta, the Nile, or the Chao Phraya basin. Cultural and culinary traditions also exert significant influence, as demonstrated in countries such as France, the Philippines, and China, where sustained demand for duck products is rooted in established food practices. The data indicate that, despite often being overshadowed by chicken, duck farming constitutes a major global industry. The FAO’s 2024 data provide a comprehensive overview of global duck population distribution, and this country-by-country analysis aims to make these statistics more tangible and accessible. This ranking demonstrates that even lesser-known livestock statistics can illuminate compelling global narratives relevant to content creation, agricultural research, and broader inquiry.