Interesting Facts about world population

Here are some interesting facts about the world population based on realistic sources such as the United Nations (UN), World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), and other authoritative organizations:

1. The World Population Reached 8 Billion

• The global population officially reached 8 billion people in November 2022 according to the United Nations.
• This milestone marks a remarkable increase from 7 billion in 2011, and the population is expected to continue growing, though at a slower rate in the coming years.

2. Population Growth Is Slowing

• While the population has been growing for decades, the growth rate has slowed significantly. In 1962, the world’s population grew by 2.1% annually, but by 2023, it has dropped to about 1% annually.
• The UN projects the population will reach around 9.7 billion by 2050, but this growth will largely be concentrated in specific regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.

3. India is Set to Surpass China

• India is expected to become the most populous country in the world by 2025, surpassing China. As of 2024, India’s population is estimated at 1.42 billion, very close to China’s 1.43 billion (UN data).
• India’s population continues to grow, while China’s population has stabilized and even begun to decline due to low birth rates and the aftermath of the One-Child Policy.

4. China’s Aging Population

• China is facing a demographic challenge with a rapidly aging population. The number of people aged 65 and older in China has increased from 5.6% in 2000 to more than 13% in 2024.
• This shift presents challenges for China’s labor force, social services, and pension systems. It is projected that by 2050, nearly 1 in 4 people in China will be over 65 years old.

5. Africa’s Population is Growing the Fastest

• Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest birth rates in the world, with countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali averaging more than 6 children per woman.
• Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, from 1.4 billion to 2.5 billion, contributing significantly to global population growth (UN data).

6. World’s Fertility Rates Are Falling

• Globally, fertility rates have dropped sharply. In the 1960s, women had an average of 5 children. By 2024, that number has fallen to around 2.3 children per woman (World Bank data).
• In many developed nations, such as Japan, Germany, and South Korea, fertility rates are below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, leading to population decline and aging.

7. Life Expectancy Has Increased Globally

• Life expectancy worldwide has increased significantly. In 1950, the global average was just 46 years, while today it stands at 73 years (WHO data).
• Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world, with an average of 84 years (WHO), while countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have much lower life expectancy, with countries like Sierra Leone and Lesotho averaging around 50 years.

8. More People Live in Cities Than Ever Before

• For the first time in history, more than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas. In 1950, only about 30% of people lived in cities. By 2050, the urban population is expected to rise to 68%.
• Asia and Africa are seeing the fastest rates of urbanization, with cities like Delhi, Lagos, and Shanghai rapidly growing.

9. The Global Population is Becoming More Urban

• The shift from rural to urban living is most pronounced in regions like Africa and Asia. By 2030, about 60% of Africa’s population will live in cities (UN projections).
• China, which has experienced rapid urbanization, now has more people living in cities than in rural areas, with nearly 65% of the population urbanized by 2024 (UN data).

10. Global Migration is a Major Factor in Population Changes

• Migration is a key factor influencing population growth and distribution. International migration continues to rise, with millions of people moving from regions with high population growth or conflict (e.g., Syria, Afghanistan, and Venezuela) to countries with aging populations (e.g., Germany, United States, and Canada).
• The United Nations estimates that there are more than 280 million international migrants, which is about 3.6% of the world’s population.

11. World Population is Becoming More Diverse

• Africa will account for nearly 40% of the world’s population growth between now and 2050, while Europe’s population is expected to decline (UN projections).
• Countries in Latin America and Asia will see moderate growth, while many European countries, such as Italy and Germany, are facing population decline.

12. The Global Youth Population

• The world’s population is still very young in many regions, especially in Africa. In Niger, for example, the median age is just 15.2 years, one of the youngest populations in the world (UN data).
• Globally, about 26% of the world’s population is under the age of 15 (UN estimates). While many young people are entering the workforce, countries with aging populations may face labor shortages in the future.

13. The World’s Population is Becoming More Aged

• The global population is steadily aging. In 1950, just 8% of the world’s population was 60 years or older. By 2020, this percentage had risen to 13%, and it is projected to reach 22% by 2050 (UN).
• Japan, Italy, and Germany are countries with some of the oldest populations, which presents challenges in terms of pension systems and healthcare.

14. Global Birth Rates Have Declined in Developed Countries

• Countries in Europe, such as Italy, Spain, and Germany, are facing declining populations due to low birth rates. This is coupled with longer life expectancy, leading to a higher number of elderly citizens.
• The total fertility rate in many developed countries is below replacement level (2.1 children per woman), which means their populations are not reproducing at rates sufficient to replace themselves.

15. The Largest Population Increase is in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Nigeria is projected to become the third-largest country in terms of population by 2050, surpassing the United States. With rapid population growth, Nigeria’s population is expected to reach over 400 million by mid-century.
• Other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, like Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, will also see significant population increases, which will influence global population trends.

The world’s population is undergoing dramatic changes driven by factors such as aging populations, declining fertility rates, and urbanization. While some regions, especially in Africa, will see rapid population growth, others, like Europe and parts of Asia, will face challenges associated with low birth rates and aging populations. These trends will shape economic, social, and environmental policies in the coming decades.

Here’s a table of the top 10 most populated countries in the world, based on reputable sources such as the United Nations (UN), World Bank, and World Population Prospects 2022. The population figures are estimates for 2024.

Rank	Country	Population (2024 Estimate)	Source
1	China	1.43 Billion	United Nations (UN)
2	India	1.42 Billion	United Nations (UN)
3	United States	339 Million	United Nations (UN)
4	Indonesia	282 Million	United Nations (UN)
5	Pakistan	240 Million	United Nations (UN)
6	Brazil	219 Million	World Bank
7	Nigeria	223 Million	United Nations (UN)
8	Bangladesh	179 Million	United Nations (UN)
9	Russia	143 Million	United Nations (UN)
10	Mexico	133 Million	United Nations (UN)

Notes:

• China and India are close in population size and are projected to remain the two largest countries by population for the foreseeable future.
• Nigeria is rapidly growing and could overtake the United States as the third most populous country by 2050.
• These figures are rounded estimates based on the most recent UN and World Bank data available, with projections that adjust based on historical trends and demographic factors.
• 1 Billion = 1,000,000,000 (one followed by nine zeros)
• 1 Million = 1,000,000 (one followed by six zeros)

Sources

1. World Population Count

• United Nations (UN) Population Division
  Website: https://population.un.org/wpp/
  The UN Population Division provides data, projections, and reports on global population estimates and projections, including demographic trends and indicators.
• World Bank
  Website: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL
  The World Bank’s database contains data on global population statistics, including estimates for population size, growth, and demographics over time.
• U.S. Census Bureau – International Data Base (IDB)
  Website: https://www.census.gov/data-tools/demo/idb/
  The U.S. Census Bureau offers extensive demographic data and projections, including population growth and trends on a global scale.
• Population Reference Bureau (PRB)
  Website: https://www.prb.org/
  PRB provides population data, demographic analysis, and projections, focusing on global population trends and reproductive health.

2. World Birth Count

• World Health Organization (WHO)
  Website: https://www.who.int/data/gho
  WHO provides health-related statistics, including birth rates, maternal health, and reproductive health statistics globally.
• United Nations Population Division (UNPD)
  Website: https://population.un.org/wpp/
  As part of their population projections, the UNPD also tracks and projects global births, including fertility rates.
• UNICEF – The United Nations Children’s Fund
  Website: https://data.unicef.org/
  UNICEF provides data on births, child health, and reproductive health across different countries, with a focus on child mortality and health services.
• World Bank
  Website: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
  The World Bank offers data on global fertility rates and birth rates, providing key insights into global birth patterns.

3. World Death Count

• World Health Organization (WHO)
  Website: https://www.who.int/data/gho
  WHO tracks global mortality data, including causes of death, mortality rates, and death trends worldwide, particularly focusing on health-related causes.
• United Nations Population Division (UNPD)
  Website: https://population.un.org/wpp/
  The UN Population Division also provides comprehensive data on global death rates, including mortality projections.
• World Bank
  Website: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.MORT
  The World Bank offers a wealth of global mortality data, including life expectancy, mortality rates, and other related statistics.
• Global Health Observatory (GHO) – WHO
  Website: https://www.who.int/gho/mortality_burden_disease/en/
  The GHO provides a comprehensive overview of global mortality trends, highlighting causes of death and global mortality rates.

4. Global Databases and Statistical Agencies

• OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
  Website: https://www.oecd.org/
  OECD maintains a large database with detailed statistics on mortality, birth rates, and population trends across member countries and globally.
• Eurostat
  Website: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat
  Eurostat provides statistical information to the European Union, including data on population, births, deaths, and other demographics across Europe.