World Population To Reach 9.8 Billion by 2050
A report by the United Nations has suggested that the world population will reach 9.8 billion by 2050.
As of 2017, the world’s population has been estimated at 7.5 billion.
According to the report, which was compiled by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population is growing at a rapid rate, with an annual increase of close to 90 million people.
“With roughly 83 million people being added to the world’s population every year, the upward trend in population size is expected to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline,” a part of the report said.
This will mean that the world population will rise to 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100.
The report also said that India will overtake China as the most populous country within the next seven years.
India’s population is currently 1.31 billion, while China’s population is just slightly bigger at 1.37 billion.
Interestingly, the report suggests that Nigeria will become the world’s third most populous country by 2050, overtaking the United States.
Currently, the population of Nigeria is estimated to be 182.2 million and the United States has a population of approximately 321.4 million.
There are 26 African countries that are also rapidly rising in population numbers.
“The population in Africa is notable for its rapid rate of growth, and it is anticipated that over half of global population growth between now and 2050 will take place in that region,” John Wilmoth, director of the UN Population Division said.
According to the report, Europe is on the other end of the spectrum, with an estimated decline in population over the next few years.
Fertility plays a big role in projected population numbers. The report said that fertility has declined in almost all regions across the world over the past few years.
“Europe has the lowest fertility level, estimated at 1.6 births per woman in the most recent period, while Africa has the highest fertility, with around 4.7 births per woman [sic],” Wilmoth said.
