GLOBAL – The United Nations announced that the global population reached nearly 8.2 billion as of mid-2024 and is expected to continue expanding, peaking at approximately 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s. This projection comes from the latest findings in the World Population Prospects 2024 report, signaling significant demographic shifts anticipated over the coming decades.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, after reaching this peak, the global count is projected to slightly decline to around 10.2 billion, a figure 700 million lower than earlier forecasts. The United Nations’ findings underline the crucial need for reliable demographic data as global population changes are becoming increasingly uneven, with certain regions experiencing rapid growth while others face accelerated ageing.
The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency emphasized the importance of this data, especially on World Population Day, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighting the necessity of accurate demographic counts. The 28th edition of the World Population Prospects provides updated demographic data and projections for 237 countries, ranging from 1950 to 2100, underscoring its pivotal role in monitoring Sustainable Development Goals.
Demographic trends indicate a global decline in fertility rates, with the average number of children per woman dropping significantly since 1990. Currently, over half of the world’s nations have fertility rates below the maintenance level of 2.1 children per woman. This decline in birth rates accompanies an increase in the global population’s average age, with projections showing that by the late 2070s, the elderly will outnumber the young.
Population dynamics differ markedly across regions. Rapid growth is expected in countries like Angola, Niger, and Somalia, with predictions of their populations doubling by 2054. This growth contrasts with the slow increases or declines seen in wealthier nations. Environmental challenges, exacerbated by climate change and urbanization, are expected to intensify, particularly affecting countries dependent on agriculture, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.