World population and alarming statistics

(Baonghean.vn) - According to United Nations statistics, the world population as of March 22, 2017 was 7.49 billion people. The world population is estimated to reach 8 billion people by 2023 and 10 billion people by 2056.

“Although birth rates worldwide are trending downward, the momentum of the population wheel is still strong enough to propel us to 10 billion by 2056,” said Jeffrey Jordan, President and CEO of PRB. “However, significant differences exist between regions. For example, very low birth rates in Europe are leading to population declines, while Africa’s population is projected to double.”

World Population Day serves as a reminder to nations and individuals around the globe about the dangers of excessively rapid population growth.

Africa's population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, while the Americas will only increase by 223 million to 1.2 billion. Asia will grow by approximately 900 million to reach 5.3 billion, while Europe will see a decline from 740 million to around 728 million. Even the most modestly, Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand) will still grow from 40 million to 66 million.

1. Current figures

If the current population growth rate continues, the world will have over 11 billion people by 2100.

More than 25% of the world's population is under 15 years old. This figure is 41% in the least developed countries and 16% in developed countries.

Japan has the oldest population, with over a quarter of its citizens over the age of 65. Qatar and the UAE are at the other end of the spectrum, with each region having only 1% over the age of 65.

The top 10 countries with the highest fertility rates in the world are all in sub-Saharan Africa, with almost all exceeding 6 children per woman, and the leading country being the Republic of Nige with a fertility rate of 7.6. In Europe, the average is just 1.6.

More than half of the current population is under 30 years old, a figure derived from data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The birth rate in the U.S. is 1.8 children per woman, down from 1.9 in 2014. But in the U.S., using the concept of "replacement," a more accurate term reflecting the increase of the next generation compared to the current generation, excluding the effects of migration, demographers put the figure at 2.1 children per woman.

Thirty-three countries in Europe and Asia have more people over 65 than those under 15. Countries with aging populations face significant challenges in labor force imbalances, healthcare, and the burden on national pension funds, especially in agricultural and heavy industrial countries that require a large workforce, and those with underlying health and social security issues.

2. World population in the mid-21st century

It comes as no surprise to many that China's population remains the largest in the world, at 1.385 billion people.

The total population of the world's least developed countries will double by 2050 to 1.9 billion people. There are 48 countries in this group, based on United Nations criteria, most of them in Africa.

Twenty-nine countries will see their populations double. And because the land area of ​​these countries remains virtually unchanged, their population density will increase accordingly. Almost all of these are in Africa.

Forty-two countries are projected to “sign up” for population reductions. These nations are scattered across Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Several European countries have committed to significant reductions, such as Romania, which is projected to have a population of 14 million by 2050, compared to 20 million today. The US population will be 398 million, a 23% increase from 324 million today.

3. At this rate, we will reach 8 billion people by 2024.

Just 20 countries account for 70% of the world's total population.

The population of Planet Earth needs less than 500 million more to reach 8 billion. More than half of the current population is under 30 years old, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Nigeria has the youngest population in the world, with more than half of its 189 million inhabitants under the age of 15. In contrast, Monaco is the country with the oldest population in the world, with more than half of its population over 50 years old.

Currently, there are approximately 65 million more men than women, according to the latest United Nations data. American Samoa has the highest gender imbalance, with about 1.36 men to 1 woman. Conversely, Haiti has the smallest gender gap, with 1.01 men to 1 woman.

It's no surprise to many that China still has the largest population in the world, at 1.385 billion. However, the United Nations predicts that India's population will soon surpass China's within the next five years, as the country's population is expected to grow by 15.7 million people annually, contributing more than 20% to the world's annual population growth.

But stories about world population aren't just dominated by large numbers; the world's smallest country – Pitcairn Island – has a fixed population of just 50 people.

Peace

(Synthetic)