Massive Population Booms Seen in Asia and Africa ⬆️

What we’re showing

Population of major regions at three different years: 1900, 2000, and 2050 (forecasted). Figures come from Our World in Data (last updated March 2023).

Asia grew by 2.8B people from 1900 to 2000

China was the main source of this expansion, though its population growth has slowed in recent years. Today, India and Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines are the main drivers of Asia’s population.

Africa to hit 2.5B by 2050

Under the UN’s medium-fertility scenario (all countries converge at a birthrate of 1.85 children per woman by 2050), Africa will solidify its place as the world’s second most populous region.

Three countries—Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt—will account for roughly 30% of that 2.5B figure.