[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The global population has surpassed 8 billion, marking 11 years since it crossed 7 billion. China, which has held the top spot with 1.4 billion people, is expected to lose its throne to India next year as its population begins to decline.
The United Nations Population Division (UNPD) announced this on the 15th (local time). UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres issued a statement saying, "A milestone has been reached. This is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and development while considering our shared responsibility for the planet."
The world population has doubled in 48 years since reaching 4 billion in 1974. The population surpassed 7 billion 11 years ago, in 2011. The UN predicts that the population will reach 9 billion in 15 years, by 2037.
The UN assessed this as a "sign that the overall global population growth rate is slowing." According to a report released on July 11, 'World Population Day,' the global population growth rate peaked in the early 1960s and fell below 1% in 2020.
John Wilmoth, Director of UNPD, said that surpassing 8 billion people "demonstrates humanity's success but also represents a tremendous risk for our future."
By country, China and India each had populations of approximately 1.4 billion, making them the most populous countries. Currently, China holds the top spot with 1.426 billion people compared to India's 1.412 billion, but the UN forecasts that India will surpass China next year to become the most populous country. This trend is expected to continue, with India's population exceeding 1.6 billion by 2050, while China's population is estimated to decrease to around 1.3 billion.
By region, as of this year, East Asia and Southeast Asia have a combined population of 2.3 billion, accounting for 29% of the global population. Central Asia and South Asia account for 2.1 billion people, or 26%.
The global sex ratio this year was 50.3% male and 49.7% female. The UN expects this ratio to nearly equalize by 2050.
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