The world currently hosts over 8 billion people. World Population Day is celebrated on 11 June to address the current global population challenges, to bring attention to the pool of diverse issues with population growth such as education, healthcare, and resources, and to promote healthy reproductive care allowing individuals to make better and informed decisions regarding their family.
Regional variations in population
Population landscapes vary significantly depending on the region. While the Eastern Hemisphere hosts over half of the world’s population, only about 20% of the world’s population lives in the Western Hemisphere.
Asia has the second greatest regional variations in population growth. According to statistics, Singapore and Syria have the highest population growth in Asia, which is 4.86%.
Other countries that fall under the same category are Oman, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Countries like India, China, and Indonesia have the highest populations in Asia but not the highest population growth. North and Central Asia have the lowest population growth rates in Asia.
What explains these variations
It is a complex interplay of many factors like education, economy, religious and cultural factors, access to contraception and healthcare, gender equality, abundant resources, political environment, and historical factors.
There are many reasons why poor countries have larger populations. Some are mentioned below:
- Children are a source of income and security for the parents.
- A high child mortality rate reduces parents’ confidence that their kids will survive so they have many children.
- Child marriage: Women who are victims of child marriage have many childbearing years. Consequently, they have many kids.
- Limited access to contraception.
- Certain religious and cultural beliefs discourage small families.
Highest and lowest population
India now holds the top spot in global population rankings as it surpassed China in 2023. India is home to 1.46 billion people while China hosts 1.42 billion people.
The following countries are also on the list of the most populous countries: the United States: 347 million, Indonesia: 285 million, Pakistan: 255 million, and Bangladesh: 175.7 million.
Countries with a very small population include Niue, Tokelau, Greenland, and Falkland Islands. Vatican City secures the spot as the least populated country with a population of around 500.
Highest and lowest population growth rates
While Asia is the most populous continent, Africa exhibits the highest population growth rate, specifically sub-Saharan Africa. The region has a consistent and high population growth rate, unlike Asia which has a diverse range of population trends.
The African population growth rate is 2.4%. Experts say that Africa’s population will be 2.5 billion by 2025. High fertility rates and declining mortality rates are considered the primary factors contributing to the high population growth rate.
Europe has a low population growth rate with some countries even experiencing a decline in population. Regions like East Asia, and North and Central Asia also exhibit slow population growth rates.
World population trends
During the second world war, the global population was around 2.3 billion. The “baby boom” caused a significant increase in population. The global population reached 2.5 billion in 1950. The population doubled in 1987. The world population was estimated at 6.17 billion in 2000. Currently, the world hosts 8.23 billion people. It is expected that the global population will reach 9.8 billion in 2050.
Global lifespan
At the beginning of the 20th century, the global life expectancy was only 32 years. The average life expectancy has increased to 73 years in 2023. This is due to medical advancements such as improved vaccines and antibiotics, improved living standards, better sanitation and nutrition, and widened access to education. By 2050, the global life expectancy is expected to reach an average of 78.1 years.
Pakistan’s Population
At the time of partition, in 1947, the population of West Pakistan (modern-day Pakistan) was estimated to be around 33.7 million. Currently, the population of Pakistan stands at over 255 million making Pakistan the fifth most populous country.
According to UN reports, Pakistan’s population will be over 380 million by 2050. With a population of more than 380 million Pakistan would become the third most populous country, surpassing Russian and the US.
Measures to curb high population growth rate
Following are some measures which can be taken to curb high population growth:
- Improved access to contraception and healthcare.
- Educating and empowering women.
- Addressing social and economic factors that contribute to a high population growth.
- Raising awareness about reproductive health.
- Introducing policies that incentivize smaller families.
The measures mentioned above allow sustainable population growth. States can implement a combination of the measures to ensure a better quality of life for their citizens.
Importance for women
World Population Day highlights the importance of women’s access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare. Women are the backbone of society.
As educated women can fully participate in society, they contribute not only to individual but societal development as well. They raise the next generation of leaders.
Napoleon Bonaparte said, “Give me good mothers and I will give you a good nation”. It highlights the significant role of mothers in shaping the future of a nation.
Our great leader, Quaid-e-Azam highlighted the crucial role women play in the success of a nation in the following words “No nation can ever be worthy of its existence that cannot take its women along with the men.”
Educated women live a better quality of life as they know the difference between wrong and write and have access to better opportunities.
The Diplomatic Insight is a digital and print magazine focusing on diplomacy, defense, and development publishing since 2009.
