India to become the most populous country, surpassing China, by 2023

India will become the most populous country, surpassing China, in 2023, and the world population is expected to reach 8 billion people by November 2022 despite the fertility rate being at historic lows, according to data provided by the United Nations.

These estimates come after the COVID-19 pandemic has caused nearly six million deaths worldwide, while armed conflict, violence and persecution has led to the forced displacement of one hundred million people.

To these tragedies must be added the effect of climate change in the areas most affected by environmental disasters, and the rejection of women’s rights, which, in certain parts of the world, “continues to threaten the lives, dignity, freedom and well-being of women and girls.”

“Let’s focus on every person. On ensuring that our world can meet our needs and those of future generations. About protecting Human Rights and the ability of all people to make informed decisions about whether and when to have children. About leaving no one behind,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres on his official Twitter profile.

For her part, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Natalia Kanem, has assured that “a resilient world of 8 billion people”, which “defends rights and individual choices”, offers “infinite possibilities to thrive”.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, although the rate of global population growth will continue to slow in the coming decades, the world’s population is likely to be 20 to 30 percent larger in 2050 than it was in 2020.

World population is projected to peak at about 10.4 billion in 2080 and remain at that level until 2100. Of the total world population, half belongs to the demographic expansion of Asia, while Africa made the second largest contribution, with almost 400 million.

Also, according to data provided by a study conducted by UNFPA, only ten countries contributed to more than half of the population growth from 7 billion to 8 billion. India is by far the largest contributor, followed by China and Nigeria.

On the other hand, Africa and Asia will drive population growth to 9 billion by 2037. Today, two-thirds of the world’s population lives in a country or area where fertility averages 2.1 children per woman.