Population
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Current World Population
7,222,062,425
336,052
Births today31,934,417
Births this year138,659
Deaths today13,176,523
Deaths this year197,393
Population growth today18,757,893
Population growth this year
7,222,062,425
336,052
Births today31,934,417
Births this year138,659
Deaths today13,176,523
Deaths this year197,393
Population growth today18,757,893
Population growth this year
Global human population growth is around 80 million annually, or 1.2% per year. The global population has grown from 1 billion in 1800 to 7 billion in 2012. It is expected to keep growing to reach 11 billion by the end of the century. Most of the growth occurs in the nations with the most poverty, showing the direct link between high population growth and low standards of living. The nations with high standards of living generally have low or zero rates of population growth. Australia's population growth is around 400,000 annually, or 1.8% p.a., which is nearly double the global average. It is caused mainly by very high immigration of around 200,000 p.a., the highest immigration rate in the world. Australia remains the only nation in the world with both high population growth and high standards of living.
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Population density map of the world showing not only countries but also many subdivisions (regions, states, provinces).
Q and A: Has the world's population distribution changed much over time?
Surprisingly, no. During the last two centuries most of the world's people lived in Asia, while relatively few lived in Latin America, North America, and Oceania. Europe ranks second to Asia, but its share is decreasing while Africa's share is increasing.
Prior to 1800, Asia's population represented roughly two-thirds of the world total. Europe and Africa fluctuated, each usually holding between 15 percent and 20 percent of the world population. The remaining few people were scattered in Latin America, North America, and Oceania, with Latin America having the largest number.
By 1800, the Industrial Revolution began in Europe and its share of global population increased. Asia maintained two-thirds of the world's people and Africa's share declined. Less than 5 percent resided in the Americas and Oceania combined (see "World Population Distribution by Region, 1800-2050").
Surprisingly, no. During the last two centuries most of the world's people lived in Asia, while relatively few lived in Latin America, North America, and Oceania. Europe ranks second to Asia, but its share is decreasing while Africa's share is increasing.
Prior to 1800, Asia's population represented roughly two-thirds of the world total. Europe and Africa fluctuated, each usually holding between 15 percent and 20 percent of the world population. The remaining few people were scattered in Latin America, North America, and Oceania, with Latin America having the largest number.
By 1800, the Industrial Revolution began in Europe and its share of global population increased. Asia maintained two-thirds of the world's people and Africa's share declined. Less than 5 percent resided in the Americas and Oceania combined (see "World Population Distribution by Region, 1800-2050").
![Picture](/uploads/2/7/4/6/27464653/6918462.gif)
World Population Distribution by Region, 1800–2050
World Population Milestones
8 Billion (2024)According to the most recent United Nations estimates, the human population of the world is expected to reach 8 billion people in the spring of 2024.7 Billion (2011)According to the United Nations, world population reached 7 Billion on October 31, 2011.
The US Census Bureau made a lower estimate, for which the 7 billion mark was only reached on March 12, 2012.6 Billion (1999)According to the United Nations, the 6 billion figure was reached on October 12, 1999 (celebrated as the Day of 6 Billion). According to the U.S. Census Bureau instead, the six billion milestone was reached on July 22, 1999, at about 3:49 AM GMT. Yet, according to the U.S. Census web site, the date and time of when 6 billion was reached will probably change because the already uncertain estimates are constantly being updated.Previous Milestones
The US Census Bureau made a lower estimate, for which the 7 billion mark was only reached on March 12, 2012.6 Billion (1999)According to the United Nations, the 6 billion figure was reached on October 12, 1999 (celebrated as the Day of 6 Billion). According to the U.S. Census Bureau instead, the six billion milestone was reached on July 22, 1999, at about 3:49 AM GMT. Yet, according to the U.S. Census web site, the date and time of when 6 billion was reached will probably change because the already uncertain estimates are constantly being updated.Previous Milestones
- 5 Billion: 1987
- 4 Billion: 1974
- 3 Billion: 1960
- 2 Billion: 1927
- 1 Billion: 1804