Population Growth 1950 - 2100 (Projected)-An Analysis
👉Watch this content in the form of a video here
The world’s population has undergone sweeping changes over the past century. Data reveals the dramatic growth that has occurred since 1950 and projections for where populations are headed globally through the end of the 21st century.
Please watch the video above to see visually, in a racing bar chart, how the population growth has evolved over the period 1950 to 2023, and how it is likely to continue until 2100.
Analyzing this dataset provides insights into past trends and future shifts that will reshape societies.
If we do not take charge of our population size, then nature will do it for us.
Sir David Attenborough
You may also be Interested in my other post “Top Countries by Military Spending — 1816 to 2023”. Write click and open in a new window.
Overall Growth Trends
- The global population has experienced massive growth since 1950, increasing from about 2.5 billion to over 8 billion+ in 2024.
- Growth rates reached peak levels in the 1960s, averaging over 2% per year globally. Rates have declined consistently since then.
- Projections show the rate of growth continuing to slow through the end of the century. The global population is expected to reach 11+ billion by 2100.
Country-Level Trends
- China has been the most populous country throughout the period, with its population quadrupling from about 550 million in 1950 to over 1.4 billion currently. Growth rates have dropped rapidly since the 1960s.
- India has also seen rapid growth, from about 370 million in 1950 to over 1.4 billion today. It has surpassed China as the world’s most populous country already.
- The population of the United States has grown steadily from about 150 million to around 330 million. Growth rates have gradually slowed over time.
- Indonesia’s population has increased over 5-fold, from around 80 million in 1950 to around 275 million currently. Declining growth rates remain above 1% per year.
- Brazil and Pakistan have experienced similar rapid growth from around 50 million in 1950 to over 200 million each today.
- Nigeria has risen from around 37 million to 206 million, exhibiting fast growth that is projected to continue through 2100.
By improving health, empowering women, population growth comes down.
Bill Gates
Peak Growth Period
- The 1950s through the 1960s represented the peak period for population growth. The post-war baby boom drove growth rates above 2.5% for many countries.
- Some nations in Africa experienced their peak growth decades later, during the 1970s and 1980s.
Slowing Future Growth
- Only Africa is projected to see robust population growth this century. The continent’s population could expand from 1.3 billion to over 4.2 billion by 2100.
- Elsewhere, populations will stabilize or begin declining. China’s population could decrease by as much as 50% by 2100 due to low fertility rates.
- Nigeria is projected to become the world’s third largest country this century as growth remains strong while other populations decline.
Implications
- Slower growth globally will create challenges from aging populations and shrinking workforces.
- Rapid growth concentrated in Africa could hamper development and resource availability.
- Nigeria rising to become one of the most populous countries this century will have widespread impacts.
- Lower fertility rates and population stabilization will require major social and economic adjustments.
The population boom of the 20th century is now stabilizing. While this slowdown brings major challenges, it also provides opportunities to plan for more sustainable development. Although Africa’s growth presents difficulties, the continent’s young workforce could generate economic gains. Overall, adapting social systems to changing demographic factors will be critical going forward.
I hope you enjoyed this overview of population trends over the past 70 years and forecasts for the next 80. Please clap and follow if you found this informative. Your comments and feedback are also greatly appreciated!
You may also be Interested in my other post “Top Countries by Military Spending — 1816 to 2023”.