World Population Day 2024: Theme, History & Population Data

Background and History

• World Population Day Observed annually on July 11 since 1990
• Established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989
• Date chosen to commemorate global population reaching 5 billion on July 11, 1987
• First observed on July 11, 1990
• Officially declared by UN General Assembly in December 1990

Purpose and Significance

• Focuses attention on population growth issues
• Highlights relationships between population, environment, and development
• Promotes awareness of reproductive health, family planning, and gender equality
• Encourages global dialogue and collaboration on population-related challenges
• Inspires policy changes and innovative solutions

Theme for 2024

• "To Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone"
• Emphasizes importance of inclusive data collection
• Highlights need for comprehensive population data to improve healthcare delivery
• Aims to address marginalized communities often excluded from population statistics

Global Population Milestones

• 1 billion: 1804
• 2 billion: 1930 (126 years later)
• 3 billion: 1960 (30 years later)
• 4 billion: 1974 (14 years later)
• 5 billion: 1987 (13 years later)
• 7 billion: 2011
• 8 billion: November 15, 2022

Future Population Projections

• 8.5 billion by 2030
• 9.7 billion by 2050
• 10.9 billion by 2100

Most Populous Countries (as of 2024)

1. India (overtook China in April 2023 – 1,428,627,663 population)

2. China - 1,425,671,352

3. United States - 339,996,563

4. Indonesia - 277,534,122

5. Pakistan - 240,485,658

Least Populous Countries

1. Vatican City (estimated 526 people)

2. Tuvalu

3. Nauru

Evolution of World Population Day

• Proposed by Dr. KC Zachariah, a World Bank demographer
• Has become a powerful tool for education and advocacy
• Influences public opinion and drives action at local, national, and international levels

Impact on Sustainable Development

• Encourages reflection on population dynamics' impact on socio-economic development
• Promotes understanding of how demographic changes affect environmental sustainability
• Fosters discussions on the relationship between population growth and individual well-being