According to the 2024 World Population Data Sheet released by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), Nigeria’s population is projected to grow by 54% by 2050, rising from its current 232 million to an estimated 357 million. This growth will contribute significantly to the projected increase in global population, which is expected to reach nearly 9.6 billion by 2050, up from over 8 billion today.
The PRB’s report provides comprehensive global, regional, and country-specific data on population growth, age structure, fertility rates, and related indicators. Nigeria, currently home to 2.85% of the world’s population, stands out as a major contributor to population growth, alongside countries like Tanzania, which is expected to see an almost 90% increase in its population by 2050.
Key Global Projections:
- India: Population to rise from 1.4 billion to nearly 1.7 billion by 2050.
- Republic of Korea: Population decline from just under 52 million to just over 47 million.
- Global Age Structure: 10% of the world’s population is aged 65 and older, while 25% is under the age of 15.
Sub-Saharan Africa: The World’s Youngest Region
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the world’s youngest region, with 41% of the population aged 15 or younger. In contrast, some of the oldest populations are found in Monaco, Japan, and Southern Europe, where up to 36% of the population is aged 65 and above.
Health Challenges and Family Planning
The PRB report highlights that around 50% of the world’s population lacks access to adequate primary healthcare. The report calls for increased investments in primary healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, arguing that improved healthcare access could prevent up to 60 million deaths by 2030 and extend average life expectancy by 3.7 years.
Additionally, the report reveals that 63% of married women globally, aged 15-49, use some form of family planning. However, the use of family planning methods varies by region, with 78% of women in South America using contraceptives compared to just 45% in Eastern Africa.
Conclusion:
The 2024 World Population Data Sheet underscores the critical challenges posed by rapid population growth, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. It emphasizes the importance of bolstering healthcare systems, investing in education, and promoting sustainable development to ensure a balanced and secure future for all.
