The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ Population Division published ‘The World Population Prospects 2019’ report with some striking predictions. It projects India to overtake China as the world’s most populous country by 2027 and estimates significant changes in the global demographic landscape by the end of the century (between 2019 and 2050), with a population increase, aging trends, and shifts in population sizes across various countries.
India: The World’s Most Populous Country
Estimating an exponential rise in India’s population, the report predicts that by 2027, India, currently with an estimated population of 1.37 billion, will surpass China as the most populated country. Remarkably, through the end of the century (between 2019 and 2050), India is expected to continue being the world’s most populous country. This list also includes China, Nigeria, the United States of America, and Pakistan.
Global Population Increase
The global population too, according to the report, is predicted to witness a significant increase. An additional 2 billion people are projected to be added to the world population by 2050, indicating a substantial population surge.
The Aging Trend
The report highlights an upward trend in the global aging population attributed to an increase in life expectancy resulting from advances in healthcare, coupled with falling fertility levels. By 2050, one in six people worldwide will be over age 65 (16%), up from one in 11 in 2019 (9%). This demographic shift will inevitably lead to a decrease in the working-age population, which will likely exert pressure on social security systems. The aging phenomenon is expected to be more pronounced in Europe and North America.
Population Shrinkage
On the other end of the spectrum, many countries will experience a decrease in population size. From 2019 to 2050, it is projected that several countries’ populations will shrink by at least 1%. The main reasons for this are sustained low levels of fertility and, in some cases, high rates of emigration.
| Country | Emigration | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines | High | Outflow of migrant workers |
| Myanmar, Syria, Venezuela | High | Violence, lack of security, wars |
Challenges for Poorer Nations
The report notes that most of the fastest-growing populations are in the poorest countries. This rapid population growth presents additional challenges in eradicating poverty, achieving greater equality, combating hunger and malnutrition, and strengthening health and education systems. These global struggles underline the urgent need for collective efforts to ensure no one is left behind. No conclusion is needed for this article as it is purely a factual representation of the findings from ‘The World Population Prospects 2019’.
