It is estimated that the population of the world, which has now reached 7.71 billion, will reach 10 billion in 2055. If the growth in numbers continues at this rate, population will reach 11.2 billion by the end of the century.
With the initiative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the decision of the UN General Assembly, July 11 has been named as World Population Day since 1989. According to the United Nations Population Fund, world’s population was 300 million two thousand years ago. Now, it has reached to 7.71 billion.
In 1600, the world's population was 600 million. It was 1 billion in 1804, 2 billion in 1927, 3 billion in 1961 and over 4 billion in 1971. With such a rapid growth rate, the population of the Earth reached 5 billion in 1987, 6 billion in 1999 and 7 billion in 2011.
Asia is the most populated continent
Asia, being the most populated continent, is inhabited by 60% of the world's population. It is followed by the continents of Africa - 15%, Europe - 10% and Latin America - 8%. China holds the position of the most populated country with a population of 1.42 billion, followed by India - 1.37 billion. It is estimated that in four years India will leave China behind.
