Global Population Expected To Reach 10.3 Billion In 2080s, According To UN

The United Nations has projected that the global population will increase by over 2 billion people in the coming decades, peaking at around 10.3 billion in the 2080s. This marks a significant shift from previous estimates. The report, released on World Population Day, also predicts a decline to approximately 10.2 billion by century's end.

Population dynamics are changing unevenly across the globe. Some regions are experiencing rapid growth, while others face rapid ageing. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) emphasised the importance of reliable population data due to these shifts. "However, changes in global population are uneven, and the demographic landscape is evolving, with rapid population growth in some places and rapid ageing in others, making reliable population data more important than ever," said the UNFPA.

As of 2024, 63 countries and areas have seen their populations peak, including China, Germany, Japan, and Russia. These regions are expected to see a collective population decline of 14% over the next three decades. In contrast, another group of 48 countries, such as Brazil, Iran, Türkiye, and Vietnam, will likely reach their population peaks between 2025 and 2054.

In a third group of 126 countries including India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the USA, populations are anticipated to grow until at least 2054. Some may even peak later in the century or beyond. Among these nations are nine countries like Angola and Niger where very rapid growth is expected; their populations could double between 2024 and 2054.

By the late 2070s, projections indicate that people aged 65 or older will outnumber children under age 18 globally. Additionally, by the mid-2030s, those aged 80 or higher will surpass the number of infants under age one. Even in rapidly growing countries with youthful demographics today, an increase in the elderly population is expected over the next three decades.

This evolving demographic landscape underscores the need for accurate data to address future challenges effectively. Understanding these trends is crucial for planning resources and policies to accommodate shifting age structures worldwide.

With inputs from WAM