As of 2024, the world population has surpassed 8 billion people, marking a significant milestone in human development. The majority of this population is concentrated in Asia and Africa, with countries like India and China leading in numbers. Africa, notably, is experiencing the fastest population growth, projected to contribute a major share of future global population increases.

Urbanization is rapidly transforming how people live — today, over 56% of the global population lives in cities, and this number is expected to rise to 68% by 2050. Megacities like Delhi, Tokyo, and São Paulo continue to grow, reflecting the shift from rural to urban lifestyles due to better opportunities and services.

However, this growth presents major challenges: overcrowded cities, housing shortages, pollution, and pressure on public infrastructure. At the same time, rural areas face population decline, aging communities, and economic slowdowns.

Understanding and managing global population trends is critical for achieving sustainable development, ensuring access to education, healthcare, jobs, and a livable planet for future generations.