Global population has grown exponentially from 0.8 billion in 1927 to over 7 billion currently, and is estimated to reach over 9 billion by 2043. The percentage of people living in urban areas has also increased dramatically, rising from just 14% in 1800 to over 50% in 2008, and is projected to exceed 66% by 2050. Rapid population and urbanization growth will continue to present challenges for governments and societies around the world in terms of food, resources, infrastructure and standard of living.

3. 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Global Population Growth
Source: United Nations Population Fund
1927
1960
1974
1986
1999
2011
2025*
2043*
2083*
Year (* indicates estimate)
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Population in Billions

4. 14% 30% 50% 70%
Global Urbanization Trends
Source: Population Reference Bureau
1800 1900 1950 2008 2050*
Year (* indicates estimate)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Percentage of Global Population Living in Cities

12. 33% 51%