According to the UN estimates, 15 November is considered as a milestone in human development as the world’s population is projected to reach 8 billion people today.
Currently, the population is 7,999,959,816. The World Population Prospects 2022 predict that India is slated to surpass China as the world’s most populous country by the year 2023.
The latest projections by the United Nations suggest that the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 10.4 billion in 2100.
On the ocassion of World Population Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “This year’s World Population Day falls during a milestone year when we anticipate the birth of the earth’s eight billionth inhabitant. This is an occasion to celebrate our diversity, recognise our common humanity, and marvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramatically reduced maternal and child mortality rates.”
Eastern and South-Eastern Asia with 2.3 billion people and Central and Southern Asia with 2.1 billion, were the two most populous regions.
It is worth noting that, over time world’s poorest countries, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa have become increasingly concentrated. In these countries, sustained rapid population growth can thwart the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which remain the world’s best pathway toward a happy and healthy future.