For all the people in the world

There are almost seven billion people in the world. That’s more than any other time in history. Is this a sign that people are living longer than ever before or a sign that people are producing at an alarming rate? It could be a sign of both. Today, 11 July, is World Population Day.

There are many things ordinary people don’t know about the world’s population, here are a few:

1. There are more young people in the world than ever before. This creates unprecedented potential for economic and social progress. There are as many as 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24, most of which are in developing countries. In fact, in the world’s 48 least developed countries children and adolescents make up the majority of the population.

2. Women in sub-Saharan Africa are as likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth as women in 19th century England. In other words, for every 100 000 babies born in sub-Saharan, 510 women die from maternal causes. Globally around 800 die from causes relating to pregnancy.

3. 225 women in developing countries want to avoid becoming pregnant, but don’t use modern contraceptives. Also tens of millions of women do not receive the proper pregnancy and delivery care they need. If these problems were fixed, maternal deaths would drop by an estimated 67 per cent. Unintended pregnancies would drop by 70 per cent and new born deaths will decline by 77 per cent.

4. Despite prohibitions, child marriages are still widespread around the world with around 37 000 child marriages taking place each day. This persists in spite of global bans because of poverty and gender inequality. Empowering girls could play a big role in ending this practice. If young girls know their rights, are equipped with basic life skills and education they are less vulnerable to child marriage.

5. Complications in pregnancy and childbirth is the second leading killer of adolescent girls in developing countries. 20 000 girls under the age of 18 give birth every day in developing countries. Many become pregnant before they physically mature and tens of thousands die annually of maternal related causes.

6. By the end of the century population rates may be as high as 17 billion or as low as seven billion. The difference depends on how fast fertility rates fall. With declining fertility rates, the growing desire for smaller families and increased family planning, women are having less children. A middle estimate lies around 11 billion people.

7. HIV – related deaths are down 35 per cent from 2005, however, adolescent deaths are on the rise. Globally, both death rates and new infection rates are declining, but alarmingly young people are particularly vulnerable.

8. If current trends continue it is estimated that around 15 million between the ages of 15 and 19 will be subjected to female genital mutilation by 2030. An estimated 100 million to 140 million girls have already undergone the procedure which can cause chronic pain, infections and birth complications.

9. More than half the global population is urban. This is histories biggest ever urbanization wave and will continue for years to come.

*Information was sourced from unfpa.org

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