Global Population on the Rise: 2024 Ends with 8.09 Billion People Worldwide

2024 Sees 71 Million More People on Earth

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Population 2024

Key Points:

  • Global Milestone: The world population will reach 8.09 billion on January 1, 2025, an increase of 71 million in 2024.
  • Birth and Death Rates: 4.2 births and 2.0 deaths occur every second worldwide, as projected for January 2025.
  • US Population Growth: The US population grew by 2.6 million in 2024, reaching 341 million by New Year’s Day.
  • India Tops Population Charts: India surpassed all countries in population in 2024 with 1.4257 billion people.
  • World Population Day: Celebrated every July 11, the day highlights global demographic changes since its inception in 1989.


New Delhi: The world welcomes the new year with a staggering 8.09 billion people, as per estimates from the US Census Bureau released on December 30. The 71 million increase in 2024 marks a slight decline compared to 2023’s growth of 75 million, showcasing nuanced shifts in global population dynamics.

Births and Deaths in Real-Time

Projections reveal a striking demographic reality: every second in January 2025, there will be an estimated 4.2 births and 2.0 deaths worldwide, underscoring the rapid pace of population growth.

US Population Trends

The United States saw a 2.6 million increase in its population during 2024, bringing the total to 341 million by the first day of 2025. Over the decade, the country has experienced a significant rise of approximately 9.7 million people, reflecting both domestic growth and migration trends.

India Emerges as the Most Populous Country

In 2024, India solidified its position as the world’s most populous nation, with a population of 1.4257 billion. Hindus constitute the majority, followed by Muslims, reflecting the country’s rich demographic diversity.

The History and Significance of World Population Day

World Population Day, celebrated annually on July 11, was established by the United Nations in 1989 to draw attention to population issues. Its roots trace back to the landmark moment of July 11, 1987, when the global population reached five billion.

The day serves as a reminder of the exponential growth humanity has witnessed:

  • Milestones: It took millennia to reach one billion but only 200 years to multiply sevenfold.
  • Forecasts: The global population was 7 billion in 2011, 7.9 billion in 2021, and is projected to hit 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100.
Population 2024

Looking Ahead

The latest figures prompt reflection on the challenges and opportunities posed by population growth, from resource management to urban planning. As 2025 begins, these demographic insights emphasize the need for sustainable development and global cooperation in addressing the complexities of a growing world.

Did You Know?

  • World Population Day was proposed by Dr. K.C. Zachariah of the World Bank, inspired by the five-billion milestone in 1987.
  • India’s population growth continues to be a major focus of global demographic studies.
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