There are currently more than seven and a half billion people in the world, according to a new report by the United Nations, and that number is expected to grow by two billion in the next 30 years.
Furthermore, by 2100, the population could reach a staggering 11 billion. It took until 1999 for the population to reach just over six billion. Yet, in the span of a century, that number is expected to almost double.
The steep rate of growth is a mounting concern to UN leaders on World Population Day, which is observed on July 11 every year to increase awareness of global population issues.
At the same time, the world’s population is growing older thanks to increased life expectancies and falling fertility levels, and 27 countries have reported a reduction of one per cent or more in their population sizes.
The report states that between now and 2050, nine countries will make up more than half the projected growth — India, Pakistan, Nigeria, The Democratic Republic of Congo, The United Republic of Tanzania, Indonesia, Egypt, the United States and Ethiopia. Currently, China remains the most populous country but is projected to be overtaken by India by 2027. The Sub-Saharan African population is also predicted to double by 2050.
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