Versign released their latest quarterly Domain Name Industry Brief (.pdf file) today. The new DNIB, covering the 3rd quarter of 2010, reports that the total number of domain names registered worldwide has crashed through the 200 million barrier. The global domain base rose by 3.8 million in 3Q-2010 to a record total of 202 million.

Compared to the same quarter a year ago, total registrations have jumped by 13.3 million, a 7% increase over 3Q-2009.

As always, the report is loaded with interesting data. For example, it noted that today the English-speaking world makes up less than 40 percent of Internet users. Africa had less than 5 million Internet users a decade ago; now, it has more than 100 million. In 2000, Asia was essentially even with Europe and North America in the number of Internet users. Today it has more than those two continents combined. People always ask if there are still opportunities in the domain business. That explosive in other markets around the world should answer that question for you.

Source : http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2010/dailyposts/20101129.htm