How many data centers are there in the world?
Artificial intelligence and cloud computing have profoundly transformed our society and economy. And for these technologies to exist, data centers have been created and adapted. They store and process billions of pieces of data every day without us even realizing it. How many of these data centers exist in the world? How is this sector evolving in the face of tomorrow's challenges? We tell you everything.
What is a data center?
A data center is a physical infrastructure that houses hundreds (or even thousands) of servers, as well as data storage equipment, telecommunications systems, cooling equipment, security systems, and more. Its role is fundamental, as it ensures the operation and continuity of all the digital services we cannot do without today. Cloud computing, mobile applications, streaming platforms, Big Data... everything is made possible thanks to data centers.
The different types of data centers and their uses
There are different types of data centers depending on the size of the infrastructure and its use:
● Enterprise data centers: these are owned and operated by a single organization for its own IT needs.
● Managed service data centers: the company uses all the equipment provided by a data center provider via a subscription to host its data and/or applications.
● Colocation (or shared) data centers: the provider rents space to different customers (companies, public services) who install their own equipment. The provider manages the infrastructure, cooling, and physical security.
● Cloud data centers: these data centers are offered by digital giants such as Amazon with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft with its Azure service. They enable data and applications to be hosted in a virtualized environment.
● Hyperscale data centers: these gigantic facilities are generally built and operated by digital giants to support their computing and data storage needs, particularly for cloud applications and artificial intelligence (AI).
● Edge data centers: edge data centers are smaller in size and are located as close as possible to businesses and their data.
How many data centers are there in the world?
According to figures from November 2025, there are more than 11,800 data centers in operation worldwide (1). The United States is well ahead with no fewer than 4,165 facilities, representing more than a third of the global total. After the United States, the next nine places in the ranking are occupied by the following countries:
● United Kingdom: 499
● Germany : 487
● China : 381
● France : 321
● Canada : 293
● Australia : 274
● India : 271
● Japan : 252
● Italy : 209
● Brazil : 195
These figures show how far ahead North America is in terms of data center creation. Europe, meanwhile, has more than 3,300 centers spread across 44 countries, thanks in particular to the trio of the United Kingdom (second place), Germany (third place), and France (fifth place). The Asia-Pacific region is also well represented by China, India, and Japan, which have implemented massive digitalization initiatives.
Focus on France
With 321 data centers recorded in November 2025 in mainland France, the country ranks fifth in the world in terms of number of facilities. This impressive figure has been made possible by billions of euros of investment. But what characterizes the French landscape is its spectacular growth dynamic. The operational capacity of data centers increased by 32% in 2025 (2) and growth is set to continue in the coming years. The installation of these data centers follows the growth in the number of start-ups in the country, as well as the rise of AI both nationally and globally.
In terms of power, French data centers could reach more than 4 GW by 2035, compared to 714 megawatts recorded in 2024. Development is also tending to be more evenly distributed across France. While the majority of infrastructure (75-80%) was installed in the Paris region, this figure could fall to 40% by 2030. The Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions are likely to see data centers flourish in their territories in the coming years. In terms of employment, data centers have provided jobs for more than 48,000 people, including 30,000 direct jobs (3).
The city of Marseille is also becoming a global hub for internet traffic. A new large data center is set to open in Bouc-Bel-Air in 2027. It will be the largest in the Bouches-du-Rhône department and the sixth largest site in the Marseille area. However, these ever-increasing numbers of projects raise questions about electricity consumption and environmental impact(4). In the Indre department, Google plans to open its first French data center on a 195-hectare site (5).
Edge data centers: a growing phenomenon
The explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and applications requiring ultra-fast response times (virtual reality, autonomous vehicles, online gaming) has given rise to a new model: the edge data center (or local data center).
Edge computing involves bringing data processing closer to the end user. Edge data centers are, by definition, smaller facilities strategically located in city centers or in close proximity to areas of use, unlike hyperscale data centers, which are centralized and often isolated.
Their goal is to reduce latency (response and exchange time with servers) from tens of milliseconds (for hyperscale) to the 4 to 30 ms required for mobility or online gaming.
UltraEdge: what is its vision for distributed infrastructure?
UltraEdge is a leading example in the field of edge data centers. By leveraging a network of sites distributed across France (250 edge data centers), UltraEdge has positioned itself as a key partner for local shared hosting.
By reviving a network of existing infrastructures and modernizing them, this edge approach meets both the need for geographical proximity for fast service and a commitment to regional and sustainable development. UltraEdge is committed to reducing its environmental impact, particularly its carbon footprint, by optimizing the power consumption of its sites.
Strong dynamics in the evolution of data centers
The industry is undergoing rapid change, driven by major technological and regulatory innovations such as:
● Artificial intelligence (AI): currently the most powerful growth driver. AI, which requires significant computing and storage capacity, will account for 35-40% of data center capacity requirements in 2030.
● Hyperscale growth: the number of hyperscale data centers has doubled over the past five years, and their average capacity is expected to double again by 2030.
● Decarbonization: the French industry is banking on its main asset: electricity that is approximately 95% carbon-free.
● The need for proximity: alongside the development of hyperscalers, edge data centers are also growing in order to reduce latency and meet local security and sustainability requirements.