How Many WW2 Veterans Are Still Alive In 2024?

Have you ever wondered how many of the tens of millions of men and women who fought in World War II are still alive in 2024? Every day, hundreds of WWII veterans pass away across the world. If you were an 18-year-old soldier in 1945, you’re going to be at least 97 years old today. 

These figures came from several official and semi-official sources and while they are not exact, they are estimates. Here are ten Allied and Axis nations arranged from most to least living WWII veterans today. 

Note: France and Italy are excluded from the list due to a lack of updated figures. 

10. United States

16.1 million Americans served in WWII. At the last estimate in 2023, 119,550 were still alive.

However, it was noted that about 30 were dying every day. A study also concluded that by 2035, there will be less than 1,000 US WWII veterans still alive. 

9. Japan

Throughout WWII, over 6 million served in the military forces. Coupled with Japan’s well-known longevity and its excellent healthcare system, it’s estimated that over 100,000 Japanese Imperial veterans remain alive today. 

8. India

The contribution of the Indian Army to the victory over the Axis powers is often ignored.

At least two and a half million Indians fought in WWII. It’s estimated that somewhere around 100,000 are alive. 

7. Russia

The Soviet’s contribution to WWII cannot be underestimated. Over 34 million men and women served during this time, many coming from nations that were no longer in Moscow’s control. 

It’s estimated that around 75,000 Russian veterans are still living down from over 91,000 in 2023.

6. Germany

It’s estimated that out of the 13.6 million that served Germany in WWII, approximately 70,000 are still alive today. 

The large numbers are because of the recruitment of 16 and 17-year-olds and younger boys and girls being conscripted during the last year of the war as flak helpers, grenadiers, etc. 

5. Great Britain

Out of 3.5 million who served in WWII, somewhere just under 70,000 remain alive in 2024. 

4. Canada

Over 1.1 million Canadians served in the Second World War. Today, it’s believed that only 8,000 are still alive. 

3. Australia

Almost a million Aussies served in WWII and today between 2,500 and 3,000 remain. 

2. China

Within mainland China, sources suggest that fewer than 3,000 nationalist army veterans are alive in 2024. 

1. New Zealand

Over 105,000 Kiwis served overseas in WWII but as of 2024, only 1,300 are alive.