Global Scans · Population · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The global population is expected to reach 8.5 billion in 2030, up 1 billion from 2016. Western economies are declining in numbers and emerging economies witnessing burgeoning growth.

• [New] In terms of satellite quantity optimization, the OSSMC will stabilize at approximately 48,000 satellites by 2036, while still delivering customized, real-time services to a global population of 8 billion. EurekAlert!
• [New] Nigeria in particular, with its young and vibrant population, is projected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050, with a population surpassing 450 million, up from 223 million today. The Population Project
• [New] On one hand, India will continue to see robust growth, reaching a population of 1.5 billion by 2050, surpassing China as the most populous country in the world. The Population Project
• [New] China's population, currently at 1.4 billion, is projected to shrink to around 1.3 billion by mid-century, as the legacy of its one-child policy takes its toll. The Population Project
• [New] Europe will face a significant demographic imbalance, with more elderly people dependent on a shrinking working-age population. The Population Project
• [New] WHO projects Southeast Asia's 60+ population will rise from 12.2% in 2024 to 22.9% by 2050, while the broader region's elderly population will nearly triple to 1.3 billion, or 25% of the total population. Persistence Market Research
• [New] By 2050, the UN projects the global population will reach 9.8 billion. Challenger Research
• [New] If current trends hold, 2025 could be the first year on record in which the US population actually shrinks. Daily Kos
• [New] The United States could see its population shrink for the first time ever in 2025 as immigration numbers and birth rates have plummeted. New York Post
• [New] China will grapple with an aging population. The Population Project
• [New] Across 48 countries, populations are projected to peak between 2025 and 2054, representing 10% of the world population. Visual Capitalist
• [New] Africa's youth population is projected to grow by 40% by 2050, making smart investments in education a top priority. World Bank Group
• [New] Closer to home, the UK's Centre for Ageing Better projects that over a quarter of England's population will be aged 65 and over by 2065, and more than half will be at least 50. Positive News
• [New] While sub-Saharan Africa will experience a population surge, other regions will face a very different scenario. The Population Project
• [New] Immigration will be a primary driver of population growth in countries like the U.S. and Canada, despite record-low fertility rates. Visual Capitalist
• [New] The population decrease has been compounded by an apparent national sex recession - with America's fertility rate projected to average just 1.6 births over the next 30 years, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman. New York Post
• In Japan, as a result of the baby boom, the population of older people over 75 years of age will reach its peak in 2025. PubMed Central (PMC)
• Australia is heading into a demographic riptide - a rapidly ageing population, a shrinking taxpayer base, and a ballooning Age Pension bill projected to more than double by 2050. Eventbrite
• Nigeria's fertility rate remains above four, and its population is projected to grow by another 76% by 2050, which will make it the world's third-most-populous country. Scientific American

Last updated: 11 September 2025