By 2022, the world's population had surpassed 8 billion. Despite the overall slowdown in growth, we are expected to grow by a billion by 2037. Interestingly, half of this increase will come from just 10 countries. So, who are these demographic giants?

According to UN forecasts for September 2024, India will be the undisputed leader. By 2037, its population will increase by an impressive 147 million, reaching 1,6 billion. It is followed by Nigeria and Pakistan, adding 65 and 59 million, respectively. The top five is rounded out by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (+51 million) and Ethiopia (+46 million).

The second half of the list is dominated by Asian and African countries. Tanzania expects an increase of 28 million, Bangladesh and Indonesia – 25 million each, and Egypt – 23 million. The only Western representative in the top ten is the United States, whose population could increase by 21 million. Together, these countries will provide a global population increase of 490 million people.

Notably absent from the list is China. The country, long the world's most populous, lost its lead to India in early 2023. After peaking in 2021, its population has begun to decline, raising concerns about the potential economic impact.

Forecasts for the period after 2037 vary. The UN suggests that the global population will reach 10 billion by 2056 and 11 billion by 2100. However, a study published in The Lancet in 2020 paints a different picture: a peak of 9,7 billion in 2064, then declining to 6,3-8,8 billion by the end of the century.

Resource: Vokrug Sveta