11 July – World Population Day

Around 150 people are born every minute – that’s more than 216,000 people a day and almost 80 million a year.

They all want to live, eat and work.

What’s the problem?

We keep reading that population numbers are “exploding”, and that the rapid growth in births poses major problems for the countries in which people live. For a long time, politicians have not given this problem serious enough consideration. But in the fight against poverty, birth rates must also be addressed.

World population: The growth rate is falling.

The number of people in the world is currently growing more slowly than in the past 70 years. For the first time since 1950, the growth rate of the world population fell to less than one per cent per year in 2020, according to the last UN report in mid-2022.

It is currently only 0.8 per cent. This means that growth has more than halved in the past 50 years. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, life expectancy fell to 71 years in 2021 – in 2019 it was still 72.9 years. The number is now rising again.

In some countries, the population is already shrinking.

Falling birth rates lead to weaker population growth. With around two children per woman, the so-called “replacement rate” would be reached. If the birth rate falls below this value, the world population will slowly decline again.

Many countries with a high birth surplus will continue to grow. However, according to the “Global Population Development” report by the Federal Institute for Population Research, the population already declined in 30 of 235 countries and territories in the period from 2015 to 2020. The number of countries with low birth rates is increasing, according to the Federal Institute for Population Research (BIB). In 2023, around 5.4 billion people will live in countries with a birth rate below 2.1.

How can it be solved?

In 1994, politicians from 179 countries met in Egypt for the UN Population Conference. They were looking for ways to pursue a successful development policy while taking population growth into account. Family planning, education, health care, education – these are important steps in the fight against poverty and for a dignified life.

The earth does not grow with us.

World Population Day has been celebrated annually since the Cairo Conference. It is also intended to draw attention to the fact that the earth cannot accommodate an infinite number of people. Arable land and forests for growing grain, vegetables and fruit may become scarce at some point. The supply of fresh water and fish is also limited.

Facts about the world population.

• In 1804, one billion people lived; in 2022, there will be 8 billion people.
• Every year, the world population increases by around 80 million people. That is about as many people as live in Germany.
• Most people live in developing countries. In 2000, this figure was more than 80%.
• Half of all people living in Africa are younger than 15 years old.

Number of children depends on the woman’s level of education.

Studies have shown that the average number of children per woman depends primarily on the level of education of the female population of reproductive age. “Education is associated with more opportunities and possibilities and allows a more self-determined life,” says the 2021 Global Population Development report. In many countries, women have little or no say in family planning. Having many children is often still seen as a security for old age. Many women marry very young and then become mothers. And many millions of women simply lack affordable contraceptives, there is a lack of education and good health care.

Fewer offspring: more attention per child.

For John Wilmoth, Director of the UN Population Division, the global trend of slower population growth – despite all the regional differences – offers many opportunities, especially for developing countries. In addition to combating poverty and hunger, this applies above all to the issue of education: fewer offspring increases the amount of attention per child.

What is World Population Day?

When was World Population Day established?

Why is World Population Day important?

What is the theme for World Population Day 2024?

What are the objectives of World Population Day?

What is the current world population?

Which countries have the highest population growth rates?

What are some key population trends?

What are the main challenges associated with population growth?

How does population growth impact the environment?

How can individuals contribute to addressing population issues?

What role do governments and organizations play in addressing population issues?

How can I get involved in World Population Day activities?

Where can I find more information about World Population Day?

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