Global Population: 8,000,000,000

The world’s population recently reached a new high point. The United Nations (U.N.) estimates that the global head count passed 8 billion on about November 15. 

Earth’s population first topped 1 billion in 1804. It took more than a century for that number to double. But over the past 100 years, the population has been skyrocketing (see graph, below). The leap from 7 billion to 8 billion took only 11 years. 

China is home to the most people of any nation— about 1.4 billion—though India is expected to pass it later this year. The U.S. ranks third behind those two countries, with about 330 million people.

Why is the population climbing so fast? For one thing, people are living longer. This is largely because of advances in medicine and better nutrition. Also, the number of babies being born in many countries has soared. In the time it takes to read this sentence, about 25 babies will have been born worldwide!

A growing population comes with many serious challenges. More people means a greater need for shelter, food, and clean water. World leaders will have to work together to better use Earth’s limited resources. Still, U.N. leaders say the population passing 8 billion is an important moment. 

“The milestone is an occasion to celebrate diversity and advancements while considering humanity’s shared responsibility for the planet,” says U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.