“This year’s World Population Day falls during a milestone year, when we anticipate the birth of the Earth’s eight billionth inhabitant.”
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. On Tuesday, November 15, the world population is estimated to hit 8 billion people. Population has doubled in the past nearly 50 years; it hit 4 billion people in 1974.
nov 15, 2022
Big Picture: The exact population is never known because the number fluctuates so rapidly. However, the UN estimates that on Tuesday, the world population will reach 8 billion people. Despite record numbers, population growth is slowing as people have less children.
Quick facts about global population:
- A smaller percentage of humans are living in extreme poverty. Those living in extreme poverty – who live on less than $2 a day – account for about 10% of the population; it was 44% in 1974.
- It took 12 years to go from 7 billion to 8 billion people. We will reach 9 billion people in around 15 years.
- Half of the world population lives in 7 countries: The U.S., China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
- India is expected to pass China as the world's most populated country in 2023.
More from UN Secretary-General António Guterres: "This is an occasion to celebrate our diversity, recognize our common humanity, and marvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramatically reduced maternal and child mortality rates. At the same time, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our planet and a moment to reflect on where we still fall short of our commitments to one another."
The human race at 8 billion (Axios)
World population to reach 8 billion on 15 November 2022 (United Nations)
Estimated Current World Population (Worldometer; Graphs updated with United Nations Data)
