World population may shrink by 2100

Declining fertility rates around the world mean almost every country could have shrinking populations by 2100, with major implications for societies, the economy and the environment, researchers say


GLOBAL FERTILITY RATE, 1950-2100

1950: Women have average of 4.7 children
1980 3.6
2000 2.7
2017: Fertility rate al most halved to 2.4 (if num ber falls below 2.1, population begins to shrink)
2064 1.4
2100 1.5

Projection*

5 
4 
3 
2 
1 
0              
	1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100
  
Fertility rates have been declining worldwide mainly because women are getting more education and better access to birth control

Global population: Expected to peak at 9.7 billion in 2064, up from 8.7 billion today, before falling to 8.8 billion by 2100

   
HOW POPULATIONS OF SELECTED COUNTRIES MIGHT CHANGE
China		1,410
		732
India		1,380
		1,090
Nigeria		206
		791
United States	325
		336
Japan		128
		60
   
Population in millions 
2017
2100 projection

*Based on pace required to meet UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for female educational attainment and access to contraception


Sources: BBC, The Lancet/University of Washington 
Picture: Newscom 
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