On 31 October, the world population is projected to reach a record 7 billion. This unique moment in human history represents both an achievement and a challenge for us. This report looks at the dynamics behind the numbers. It explains the trends that are defining our world of 7 billion. It is mainly a report from the field, where demographers, policymakers, governments, civil society and individuals are grappling with population trends ranging from ageing to rapidly rising numbers of young people, from high population growth rates to shrinking populations, and from high rates of urbanization to rising international migration. The countries featured in this report are China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, India, Mexico, Mozambique, Nigeria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

 

State of World Population Report 2011