The latest of CENTRs ‘DomainWire Stat Report’ is available (Quarter 3, 2015).  The report provides a global status update on top level domains (legacy gTLDs, new gTLDs and ccTLDs) with a focus on European ccTLDs.

There are now over one thousand top level domains available with combined registrations at 298.4 million – fast approaching the 300 million mark. Combined growth over the third quarter of 2015 was 1.6% which in terms of absolute values was fairly evenly split between the ccTLDs, new gTLDs and legacy gTLDs.
Generally market share is split between ccTLDs and legacy gTLDs however the share of the new gTLDs has grown from as estimate 2.2% in Q2 to almost 3% at the end of Q3 2015. Despite the increase, anecdotal reports suggest usage and awareness of new gTLDs remains relatively low for the moment.

European ccTLDs closed the third quarter of 2015 with just under 68 million combined domains under management – a net growth of around 344K registrations (0.5%).
The chart (right) shows a longer term trend of combined ccTLDs in Europe as well as the median growth rates. There is a long-term decline in the growth rates among ccTLDs most of which is due to declines in the rates of new domains being added. Retained (renewed) domains however are relatively stable over the past few years. The average renewal rate is around 85%.
European ccTLDs are turning their attention increased data analysis/sharing, branding, awareness and other factors to ensure they continue their business remains strong and competitive in the changing TLD landscape.

The chart (left) shows the top 5 highest European ccTLD percentage growth over the most recent quarter. The ccTLD .by for Belarus achieved the highest growth of 4.0%. It’s worth noting that .pt (Portugal) has been within this top 5 list for over a year.
Over the past 12 months, the highest growth ccTLD from the European region was .ro (Romania) with just under 10% net growth.
European ccTLDs closed the third quarter of 2015 with just under 68 million combined domains under management – a net growth of around 344K registrations (0.5%).
The chart (right) shows a longer term trend of combined ccTLDs in Europe as well as the median growth rates. There is a long-term decline in the growth rates among ccTLDs most of which is due to declines in the rates of new domains being added. Retained (renewed) domains however are relatively stable over the past few years. The average renewal rate is around 85%.

European ccTLDs are turning their attention increased data analysis/sharing, branding, awareness and other factors to ensure they continue their business remains strong and competitive in the changing TLD landscape.
Source: CENTR
The chart (left) shows estimate breakdown of TLDs by domain holder among European countries. Most countries are weighted in favour of their local ccTLD (around 61%). New gTLDs are entering the market and although their impact is still small, it is increasing.

Combined domains in legacy gTLDs is currently around 153.5 million and has grown around 1% over Q3 2015. This figures is largely weighted to .com which represents roughly 80% of all legacy gTLDs.
The chart (right) shows the 3-year evolution of the 3 largest legacy gTLDs. The chart highlights that despite the size of the .com zone, it is still growing on average at a higher rate than its peers.
It is important to remember that like all top-level domains, volume is just one aspect of how one could assess the impact and trends. Another important factor is how the domains in each TLD are being used (e.g. websites, email, etc.). This will become increasingly important for registry operators as new gTLDs increase the competition.

New gTLDs combined domains have grown around 30% over Q3 2015 and are slowly beginning to show signs of market penetration (see previous page).
Although many new gTLDs will not focus on volume growth, a significant number will (including most in the top 10 list to the right). The median monthly growth over all new gTLDs (below) shows a steady stabilisation of growth particularly over Q3 2015.

Domownload the DomainWire Global TLD Stat Report 2015/3 here:

domainwire_global_tld_stat_report_2015_q3.pdf