Today, on July 11, we observe world population day annually. The day is observed to raise public awareness about the impact of overpopulation on the ecosystem and the progress of humanity.
On this day, several NGOs, government organisations and others help people in understanding the need for family planning, human rights and more.
World Population Day was first observed in 1987 by United Nation Development Programme (UNDP). But, it was not until July 11, 1990, that it became an international event when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided to continue it.
Overpopulation has become one of the major factors that prevent several counties to develop at a quicker rate. In 2011, the world population was more than the mark of seven billion and now it is approximately at 7.7 billion.
Here are some interesting and must-know facts that will make you think about how the earth is getting overpopulated with passing days.
Also Read: World Population Day 2021: Theme, history, significance, everything about the day
- India's population will surpass China by 2024
According to a 2017 UN World Population Prospects study, India will overtake China in terms of population by 2024. As of July 2021, India has over 1.39 billion population, whereas China has a population of 1.44 billion.
- Top ten nations with the largest population in 2100
According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, India will be the most populated country in 2100, with a population of 1.5 billion followed by China.
China’s estimated population in the year 2100 will be 1 billion, followed by Nigeria with 794 million, the United States (447 million), the Democratic Republic of Congo (379 million), Pakistan (352 million), Indonesia (306 million), Tanzania (304 million), Ethiopia (250 million) and Uganda with an estimated population of 214 million.
- Vatican City has the smallest population in world
The city has less than 1000 people. It is also the smallest country with a land area of 121 acres.
- Nepal has the largest female population in the world
As of 2020, women comprise over 59.19 percent of the population in Nepal. The country's female population is 1,57,88,000, while the male population is 1,33,48,000, followed by Hong Kong where 54.12 percent of the population is female and Curacao with 54.01 percent female population.
- There are more sheep in New Zealand than people
In 1982, New Zealand had a population of 3.18 million and a sheep population of 70.3 million. That comes up to 22 sheep per person. However, the number of sheep per person has decreased to 5.6 as of 2020.
- Every minute, 250 babies are born in some corner of the world
According to 2018 UN data, According to UN data released in 2018, 250 babies are born every minute somewhere in the world, amounting to over 130 million every year.
- World is aging quickly
Reportedly, there were more young people in the world in 1970 than there were old people. Meanwhile, according to data collected in 2017, there were more old people than young.
By 2050, it is expected that people aged 60 plus will be 12.3 percent of the total population, as life expectancy is on the rise. It is predicted that life expectancy would increase to 77 years.