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The world population continues to grow, and by 2100, it’s predicted we’ll hit more than 11B people

The continued growth of the world population and predictions moving forward have yielded some big numbers.

The world population is continuing to grow for various reasons, and it’s growing fast.

A recent report released by the United Nations revealed that the current world population is 7.3 billion, is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100.

The report indicates that the growth is pretty concentrated in nine particular countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the United States, Indonesia and Uganda.

Forbes took the data and represented it in a chart that shows what the sharp increase in population really looks like.

Part of the reason numbers are going up are due to increased life expectancy.

Beyond those being born, aging populations are living longer, which adds to the significant growth. The report states that in Latin America, the Caribbean and in Asia, currently about 11 to 12 percent of people are over the age of 60. By 2050, it will be more like 25 percent. In Europe, it will be more like 34 percent in 2050.

Advancements in healthcare, anti-aging methodology and other efforts toward eradicating poverty and malnutrition will surely contribute to the numbers as well.

As UN News Centre reported:

United Nations Member States are currently in the process of crafting a successor agenda to the landmark Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which wrap up at the end of this year. A new framework, focused on poverty eradication, social inclusion and preserving the health of the planet, is set to be adopted at a special UN summit, in New York this September.

Many people have different perspectives on the pluses and minuses of such rapid population growth, but in many ways, it appears to at least partially be a representation of efforts to improve health and wellness worldwide.

Photo: Flickr user James Cridland

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