Global population to peak at 10.3 billion by 2084: UN report.
UN projects global population to peak at 10.3 billion by 2084, then decline. Europe shrinks, Africa grows. Future changes anticipated.
According to the biennial World Population Prospects report published by the United Nations, the global population is projected to reach its peak within the next 60 years.
The report estimates that the current global population of 8.2 billion will peak in the mid-2080s and then begin to decline gradually. Specifically, the United Nations predicts that the world population, which is presently over 8 billion, will rise to approximately 10.3 billion by 2084 before starting to decrease. By the year 2100, it is expected to fall to around 10.2 billion.
The report, which is based on birth and death rates, anticipates that the annual population growth rate, currently about 70 million per year, will slow down after 2050. The population is expected to surpass 10 billion by 2061, reaching its highest of 10.3 billion in 2084. Following this peak, a gradual decline is projected. It is important to note that these estimates may change in future reports and could be influenced by significant global events.
Europe Shrinking, Africa Growing
The report highlights notable population changes across continents. Europe, currently home to 745 million people, is expected to see a decline to 600 million by 2100, despite the overall global population increase.
Asia, the most populous continent with approximately 4.8 billion people, is expected to see a slight population increase over the next 30 years. In contrast, Africa is projected to experience the largest population growth. The continent’s population, which is currently over 2 billion, is estimated to exceed 3 billion by 2100.
Some Countries Yet to Reach Its Population Peak
In some countries, such as China, Germany, Japan, and Russia, population growth has already reached its peak. By 2054, it is expected that 48 additional countries, including Brazil, Iran, Türkiye, and Vietnam, will have exceeded their population peaks and will then begin to experience a decline.
In many African nations, such as Angola, Niger, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the population is expected to double between 2024 and 2054.
