Global population growth continues and has reached more than 8 billion people but the rate of increase has slowed compared to the previous year.
Key Facts:
• World population rose by over 71 million people in 2024, reaching 8.09 billion.
• This 0.9% jump was slightly below 2023’s increase of 75 million people.
• The United States grew by 2.6 million in 2024, bringing its total to 341 million.
• In January 2025, an estimated 4.2 births and 2.0 deaths will occur worldwide each second.
• The US population so far in the 2020s has increased by 9.7 million, reflecting a 2.9% growth rate.
The Rest of The Story:
Global population estimates from the US Census Bureau point to continued growth, though the pace has eased a bit.
The Bureau projects that in January 2025, each second will see a few more births worldwide than deaths, keeping the overall trajectory upward.
Meanwhile, the US figures show steady expansion through a combination of births, deaths, and international migration.
Though the US population is growing, its rate is lower when compared to its past growth trends.
In 2024, the global population surged by 70.2M.
Europe was the only continent to see a decline of 1.2M. pic.twitter.com/akfxChk64n
— Xavi Ruiz (@xruiztru) December 30, 2024
Commentary:
In many regions around the world, developing nations continue to see substantial population gains, suggesting a broader acceleration in global growth.
Yet in most developed countries, growth rates are moderating or even dropping.
Over time, the impact of these divergent trends is still unclear.
Some expect changing demographics to reshape economies, while others argue that global collaboration might lessen the strain.
The Bottom Line:
Global growth remains on the upswing, but the numbers show a gradual slowdown in certain areas.
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The long-term effects on societies and economies remain to be seen.