Mcdonald’s Now Has 43,477 Restaurants Worldwide: These Are Its Key Markets

PHOTO: McDonald’s Press Room

McDonald’s has reached a global network of 43,477 restaurants, of which more than 95% operate under the franchise model. This growth positions the chain as the fast-food brand with the largest international presence and highlights the expansion strategy that has turned markets such as China, the United States, France, and Brazil into fundamental pillars of its business.

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The latest Statista dossier confirms the scale of this global operation and provides a detailed breakdown of how these locations are distributed, which regions lead in new store openings, and how the franchise model drives profitability without the company directly operating most of its outlets.

How many restaurants does McDonald’s have in 2024?

As of 2024, McDonald’s operates 43,477 restaurants worldwide, a figure that reflects steady growth over the past two decades. In the last year alone, the company added dozens of new units, maintaining its expansion strategy in key regions.

The dominant model is franchising, where independent investors manage restaurants under the brand’s standards. Only 2,045 locations are directly operated by McDonald’s, representing less than 5% of the total.

In which countries are there more McDonald’s?

The geographic distribution of McDonald’s restaurants provides insight into its main markets. Below are the countries with the largest number of units:

North America

• United States: 13,557 restaurants
  The brand’s home country remains its largest market. Although physical growth is slower compared to other regions, it accounts for a significant share of global revenue.

Asia-Pacific

• China: 6,820 restaurants
  The Asian giant is McDonald’s second-largest market by unit count. The company has intensified its presence in second- and third-tier cities, capitalizing on the country’s demographic potential.
• Japan: 2,989 restaurants
  A mature and highly competitive market where the brand has stayed relevant through menu innovation and cultural adaptation.
• Australia: 1,068 restaurants
  Although smaller in population, Australia remains a consolidated and profitable market for the chain.

Europe

• France: 1,589 restaurants
• United Kingdom: 1,470 restaurants
• Germany: 1,367 restaurants
• Italy: 755 restaurants
• Spain: 635 restaurants

Western Europe continues to be a strategic region for McDonald’s, with loyal consumers and strong urban penetration.

Latin America

• Brazil: 1,173 restaurants
  Brazil leads in Latin America, with steady expansion in both urban and mid-sized regions.
• Mexico: 374 restaurants
  With a strong presence in shopping centers and tourist areas, McDonald’s maintains its market position in Mexico, although growth has slowed moderately.
• Argentina: 226 restaurants
• Chile: 112 restaurants
• Guatemala: 115 restaurants

In these countries, the franchise model is essential, with regional operators like Arcos Dorados leading expansion.

Which regions are growing the fastest?

According to the Statista report, International Developmental Licensed (IDL) markets are showing the greatest momentum. This category includes regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where the franchise model has enabled rapid penetration without requiring major investment from headquarters.

China is the clearest example of this strategy: over the last decade, the country has doubled its number of McDonald’s restaurants. The focus is on smaller cities, delivery, digital kiosks, and mobile apps to reduce friction and enhance the customer experience.

Other standout markets include the Philippines (792 restaurants), India (665), and South Korea (310), where the brand adapts its menu to local culinary preferences.

What role does Latin America play in McDonald’s global strategy?

Although Latin America represents a smaller portion of global revenue, it is key to brand expansion and a testing ground for the adaptability of the franchise model. In countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, McDonald’s has built a strong presence in emerging markets despite local competition.

Regional franchisees such as Arcos Dorados, which operates over 2,300 units across Latin America and the Caribbean, are strategic partners for the company. These operators understand local regulations, consumer preferences, and growth channels.

How does physical expansion impact revenue?

Although McDonald’s earns most of its revenue from rent and royalties, the growth of its restaurant network directly impacts its cash flow. Each new location represents a new monthly rent stream and a percentage-based royalty on sales, even if the company does not operate that location directly.

Expansion in emerging markets also helps diversify revenue sources and mitigate localized risks. By operating in over 100 countries, the brand can balance the effects of local recessions, regulatory shifts, or health crises.

With the goal of continuing expansion in Asia and Latin America, McDonald’s aims to increase its loyal customer base and deepen digital engagement. Its loyalty program already counts more than 175 million active users, with targets to reach 250 million by 2027.

At the same time, the company is investing in more efficient restaurant formats: smaller locations, delivery-focused operations, automation, and digital kiosks. These formats facilitate new openings in high-rent or densely populated urban areas.

McDonald’s is not only one of the world’s most recognized brands—it is also one of the largest franchise networks on the planet, with 43,477 restaurants in operation as of 2024. This global footprint is the result of a strategy focused on smart expansion, local partnerships, and efficient operational models.

With Asia as its growth engine, Europe as its consolidated base, and Latin America as its innovation hub, McDonald’s continues to expand its hamburger empire with a vision that goes beyond food—positioning itself as a highly profitable global business model.