The world’s population has reached about 8.156 billion in 2024, reflecting an increase of about 82 million from the previous year, according to estimates from the German Foundation for World Population.
This milestone follows the crossing of the 8 billion mark in November 2022. Projections from the United Nations suggest the global population will surpass 9 billion by 2037 and could rise to 10 billion in the latter half of the century.
While the global population continues to grow, the rate of increase has been slowing down significantly. The current global fertility rate averages 2.2 children per woman, signaling a steady decline in birth rates over recent decades.
Africa stands out as a major contributor to population growth, with rapid expansion expected in the coming years.
According to the German Foundation, the continent's population is set to double within the next two decades, a trend that presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of economic development, urbanization, and resource management.
These trends underline the critical need for sustainable policies to address the implications of population growth, particularly in regions experiencing the fastest expansion.
Governments and international organizations are focusing on health, education, and economic initiatives to ensure that the benefits of growth are distributed equitably while mitigating environmental and social challenges.