State of World Population Report – Update (April, 2023)

April 20, 2023

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released its annual State of World Population (SOWP) report on April 19, 2023. The report focuses on the current state and projections of the world’s population, including trends, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable development. The report covers a wide range of topics, including demographics, migration, health, gender, and human rights.

Current Global Population and Demographics

The current global population, according to the UNFPA report, is 8,045 million. The largest share of the population is between the ages of 15 and 64 years, which represents 65% of the world’s population. Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, and Central and Southern Asia have the largest populations, with more than 1.4 billion people each in 2022.

Fertility Rates and Replacement Level

The report highlights the replacement fertility rate, which is the number of children a woman needs to have to maintain a stable population level. The replacement fertility rate is 2.1 children per woman. According to the report, 60% of the world’s population lives in a region where the fertility rate is below replacement level, which can have implications for population growth and economic development.

Migration and Population Growth

International migration is identified as a driver of population growth in many countries. According to the report, Pakistan has seen the highest net flow of migrants between 2010 and 2021. The report also highlights the challenges and opportunities that migration can bring, including economic benefits and social cohesion.

Life Expectancy and Ageing Population

The report notes that the current life expectancy for men is 71 years. The highest number of newborns in 2021 were in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which highlights the need for investment in maternal and child health in these regions. The average longevity projected by the UN in 2050 is around 77.2 years globally. The report also projects that 16% of the global population will be aged 65 years or above in 2050.

Population Decline and Sustainability

One of the key implications of declining fertility rates in high fertility regions is the potential for a decline in the global population. The report notes that once fertility rates drop, the global population will start to decline. This presents opportunities and challenges for sustainable development, including reducing carbon emissions, improving resource management, and addressing inequality.

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