World Population Day 2024

About World Population Day (WPD):

• It is observed on July 11 every year.
• This significant event highlights the importance of addressing population-related concerns such as reproductive health, family planning, gender equality, and sustainable development.
• It provides a platform for governments, organizations, and individuals to engage in discussions and take action.
• WPD 2024 Theme: "Leave no one behind; count everyone."
• History:
  • WPD was established by the United Nations (UN) and first observed in 1989, with participation from over 90 countries.
  • The idea was inspired by the world population reaching five billion on July 11, 1987, prompting Dr. KC Zachariah, a senior demographer at the World Bank, to suggest marking the occasion as World Population Day.
• Facts about Global Population:
  • In 2011, the world’s population reached 7 billion, and on 15 November 2022, the world’s population reached 8 billion people.
  • Projections by the UN suggest that the global population will grow to approximately 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100.
  • India holds the top place with a population of 1.44 billion as of July 2024. India overtook China as the country with the largest population in the world in 2022. 
  • China's population exceeds 1.4 billion but declined in 2024. Currently, China is second on the list, with a population of 1.42 billion.
  • With a population of 341 million, the United States is the third most populous country in the world.
  • More than half of global population growth between now and 2050 is expected to occur in Africa. Africa has the highest rate of population growth among major areas. 
  • In sharp contrast, the populations of 61 countries or areas in the world are expected to decrease by 2050, majority in Europe.

Q1: What is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)?

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA partners with governments, other agencies and civil society to advance its mission.

Source: World Population Day 2024: Know History, Significance And Theme