AFP, United Nations

Mon Jul 11, 2022 11:23 AM Last update on: Mon Jul 11, 202211:31 AM

Theworld's population is expected to reach eight billion on Nov 15, the UNforecast on Monday (July 11) in a report that said India will surpass China asthe most populous country on earth in 2023.

Thatoverall population milestone "is a reminder of our shared responsibilityto care for our planet and a moment to reflect on where we still fall short ofour commitments to one another," Secretary General Antonio Guterres said,without citing specifics.

"Thisis an occasion to celebrate our diversity, recognise our common humanity, andmarvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramaticallyreduced maternal and child mortality rates," he added.

Theforecast by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs said the world'spopulation is growing at its slowest pace since 1950.

Itshould hit 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050, peaking at around 10.4billion people in the 2080s before steadying at that level until 2100.

Whilea net drop in birth rates is observed in several developing countries, morethan half of the rise forecast in the world's population in the coming decadeswill be concentrated in eight countries, the report said.

Itsaid they are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India,Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tanzania.