World Population Hits Eight Billion

The world’s population has reached eight billion people, the United Nations has said.

India added about 180 million people and is set to surpass China as the world’s most populous nation next year, who have struggled to shake the legacy of their one child policy.

Births rates in the United States, Europe, and Japan have also been declining.

Nigeria’s population over the next three decades is expected to soar even more: from 216 million this year to 375 million, the UN says.

“The population in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to double between 2022 and 2050, putting additional pressure on already strained resources and challenging policies aimed to reduce poverty and inequalities,” the UN report said.

“The milestone is an occasion to celebrate diversity and advancements while considering humanity’s shared responsibility for the planet,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

It is projected the world’s population will reach around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 10.4 billion in 2100.