The latest verified global hive count data show roughly 101.6 million managed colonies worldwide, with India, China, and Turkey holding the largest stocks. These figures come from FAOSTAT’s 2022 country records, the most recent complete global dataset available as of 2026. For US beekeepers, USDA NASS reports about 2.70 million colonies in April 2023, while Bee Informed Partnership tracks annual losses near 48 percent. Newer country-level 2026 hive counts are not yet available, so this page uses the latest published source data only.
The concentration of hives in India, China, and Turkey matters for disease and trade. A varroa outbreak in high-hive countries can reshape global colony counts. Readers planning to start should review varroa mite treatment guide and common bee diseases and pests guide before buying stock. High hive counts do not equal high honey yields per hive. Climate, forage, and management drive output.
US losses illustrate why inventory numbers alone can mask fragility. The Bee Informed Partnership’s 2022-23 annual loss of 48.2 percent means beekeepers replace many colonies each spring. New keepers should study how to start beekeeping no experience and how to split a beehive to rebuild stocks. Forage access matters too; a pollinator garden for bees can support colony survival. The USDA Agricultural Research Service publishes additional bee research on colony health.
Top Countries by Managed Honey Bee Hives, 2022
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World | 101.6 million managed hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| India | 12.6 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| China | 9.4 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| Turkey | 8.2 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| Iran | 7.4 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| Ethiopia | 6.1 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| Russia | 3.1 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| Argentina | 3.0 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| United States | 2.7 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| Spain | 2.4 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| Mexico | 2.2 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
US Honey Bee Colony Inventory and Loss Rates
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| April 2023 managed colonies | 2.70 million colonies | USDA NASS, 2023 |
| 2022-23 winter loss | 37.4% of managed colonies | Bee Informed Partnership, 2023 |
| 2022-23 summer loss | 25.1% of managed colonies | Bee Informed Partnership, 2023 |
| 2022-23 annual loss | 48.2% of managed colonies | Bee Informed Partnership, 2023 |
| US share of global hives | About 2.7% | Calculated from FAOSTAT, 2022 |
Global Hive Stock Growth Since 2010
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 world total | 74.8 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2010 |
| 2015 world total | 89.4 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2015 |
| 2022 world total | 101.6 million hives | FAOSTAT, 2022 |
| Growth, 2010-2022 | +26.8 million hives | Calculated from FAOSTAT, 2010 and 2022 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FAOSTAT publish 2026 hive counts?
No. FAO releases global country-level hive data with a lag. The latest complete year in FAOSTAT as of this 2026 page is 2022. USDA NASS publishes more current US colony estimates. Check FAOSTAT for the latest releases.
Which country has the most managed honey bee colonies?
India leads with about 12.6 million hives in the 2022 FAO dataset. China follows with 9.4 million, then Turkey with 8.2 million. These are managed hives reported by countries; feral colonies are not counted.
Why does the United States show only 2.7 million hives?
US operations are larger and more mechanized than many smallholder systems in Asia and Africa. The US still ranks among top producers because per-hive honey yields are high. USDA NASS reports 2.70 million colonies in April 2023.
How is global hive count different from total bee population?
Hive count counts managed colonies, not individual bees. A colony may hold 10,000 to 60,000 or more workers depending season. Feral and wild colonies are excluded from most country reports.
Is a 48% annual colony loss normal?
It is elevated by historical standards but has been typical in US annual surveys since 2010. Beekeepers replace losses through splits and purchased queens. High replacement rates keep total inventory stable but raise costs.
Where can I find 2026 country hive counts when they are published?
Monitor FAOSTAT for global country data and USDA NASS for US colony reports. The Honey Bee Health Coalition also provides management resources and updates on colony health.
