Planar Census Takers

[Donatello]

Here's another odd factoid that makes me think that fantasy settings probably have higher populations than Earth circa 1400 AD.

While the Earth had 400mil people, there was no population center the size of Waterdeep. If the population of a single city in less-than ideal living conditions (far north temperate zone, known for mild summers and harsh winters with limited agricultural usage) can exceed 1 million, then you have to assume that life in better conditions will be more fruitful. Not to mention the number of countries in the world (Zakhara, Kara-Tur, Maztica) that also have significantly large population centers...

I'd guess Toril's population at around 1 billion.

 

[Dakhran the Dark]

IIRC, the total habitable landmass of Abeir-Toril is somewhat greater than that of Earth...the continent of Faerûn seems to be at least as large as Eurasia in itself. This could add to the population considerably, while still allowing for a low population density...

Or I could just be smoking crack...that tends to happen when you de-lurk at 2am...