Aug 12, 2009, 23:36 GMT
Washington - The world population is expected to reach 7 billion people in 2011, with most growth in developing nations, according to a report released Wednesday
That number could reach as much as 9.4 billion by 2050, the Population Reference Bureau reported. That estimate is comparable to a recent UN figure, which projected the number at about 9.1 billion.
Between 2009 and 2050, nearly all population growth will take place in less-developed countries, where there have been increases in public health and a decline in death rates, the report said.
The Asian population is expected to grow the most by mid-century, with its current population of 4 billion increasing by 1.3 billion, despite declining birth rates in several countries like Japan.
Africa, the region with the highest birth rates and largest percentage of population growth, is projected to see its current population of nearly 1 billion double by 2050.
The population of Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to see a modest increase of 25 per cent to 724 million by 2050.
The US population is expected to grow from 307 million to 439 by 2050, largely due to immigration.
Low birth rates are expected to shrink Europe's population from 738 million to 702 million, despite continuing immigration, the report said.
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TruebritAug 13th, 2009 - 18:58:58
9.4 billion. Time for the four to saddle up.
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