New World Population Peak Forecasted: 10.1 Billion

The U.N.'s population division has increased their world population projection, previously set to peak at mid-century at 9 billion. Now they say it will continue growing to reach 10.1 billion by 2100, with Africa tripling its numbers.

1 minute read

May 5, 2011, 10:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid

"The new report comes just ahead of a demographic milestone, with the world population expected to pass 7 billion in late October. Dr. Zlotnik, director of the United Nations population division said in an interview that the revised numbers were based on new forecasting methods and the latest demographic trends. But she cautioned that any forecast looking 90 years into the future comes with many caveats."

While Africa's population is expected to more than triple from 1 billion currently to 3.6 billion by 2100, the "United States population will rise from today's 311 million to 478 million by 2100." By comparison, "Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa...will rise from today's 162 million to 730 million by 2100."

And what of the world's most populous country?

"China, which has for decades enforced restrictive population policies, could soon enter the ranks of countries with declining populations, peaking at 1.4 billion in the next couple of decades, then falling to 941 million by 2100."

FULL STORY: U.N. Forecasts 10.1 Billion People by Century’s End

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 in The New York Times - World

Social / Demographics World Africa United States China Nigeria United Nations Population Projections View More

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