OK - so why is there a webpage included on this website about the world population issue? Isn't this supposed to be about religious or spiritual, or faith issues? Well - I happen to view the population issue as a significant issue for those of us concerned about the many issues facing those of us who live on this planet. Yes - there are too many wars, too much sickness, too much starvation, too much degradation of our resources, etc.
But I think we often overlook one of the root causes of many of these issues. And that root cause is the grotesque overpopulation of the world that has happened, especially in this century. Accordingly I have put together the summary below
Comprehensive Summary of the Human Population on Earth (as of 2025)
Current Global Population
As of August 2025, the estimated global human population is approximately: 8.1 billion people. This figure is based on estimates from the United Nations (UN) and World Bank, which track population data using birth and death records, censuses, and other demographic models.
Human Population Growth This Century (2000–2025)
From the year 2000 until 2025 the planet's population has grown by 2 billion people. Annual numbers 6.1 billion in 2000, 6.9 billion in 2010, 7.8 billion in 2020, and 8.1 billion in 2025
- Total increase since 2000: ≈ 2 billion people
- Average annual growth rate (2000–2025): ≈ 1% per year (but declining)
How Many New Humans Are Born Each Year?
- Annual births (2025 estimate): ≈ 130 million
babies per year
- Annual deaths (2025 estimate): ≈ 60 million deaths per year
- Net population increase per year (2025): ≈ 70 million people per year
(This net increase has been slowing down due to declining fertility rates and
aging populations in many countries.)
Fertility Rates and Global Shifts
Global Fertility Rate (2025): ≈ 2.3 children
per woman
Replacement level = 2.1 children per woman
Many countries (especially in Europe, East Asia, and North America) have
sub-replacement fertility.
Key Population Trends by Region:
Region 2000 Pop. 2025 Pop. Growth Africa 800M 1.5B+ Very High Asia 3.7B 4.8B Moderate Europe 730M 740M Flat/Decline Latin America 520M 660M Moderate North America 315M 380M Low
What is Changing in the 21st Century?
- Slowing Growth: Fertility rates are falling
nearly everywhere. Population growth peaked in the 1960s at over 2% annually;
now it's under 1%.
- Aging Population: By 2050, over 2 billion people will be over age 60.
Dependency ratios are rising.
Future Projections (United Nations)
For the year 2030 ~8.5 billion. For 2050 ~ 9.7 billion. For 2100 ~ 10.4 billion (peak).
Summary Highlights
- 2025 global population: ~8.1 billion
- Births per year (2025): ~130 million
- Deaths per year (2025): ~60 million
- Net annual increase: ~70 million
- Population growth this century: +2 billion people since 2000
- Trend: Slowing growth, aging population, regional imbalances
- Key driver of future growth: Africa