09. July 2006
The World in a Nutshell
German Foundation for World Population Commemorates World Population Day (July 11)
Today over 6,5 billion people live on the surface of the earth. Every year there is a population increase of around 80 million people. Predictions suggest that in 2050 the total world population will have exceeded 9.2 billion people.
Figures often overwhelm our imagination. An illustrative model indicating world population changes is in presenting the world as a village. In response to this, the German Foundation for World Population (DSW) is showcasing the model, 'The World as a Village', this year in commemoration of the International World Population Day which is celebrated every 11th of July.
The following data explains the concept of the model:
If the world were a village of 100 citizens, then respectively there would be:
• 61 Asians,
• 14 Africans,
• 11 Europeans,
• 9 Latin Americans, and
• 5 North Americans.
29 citizens would be children under the age of 15 years. 7 citizens would be older than 65.
50 citizens would be women and 50 would be men.
53 citizense would have to live off a daily income of below 2 US-Dollars.
12 citizens would suffer from lack of drinking water.
The average fertility rate would be 3 children per mother.
Of the 26 women who are in relationship, between 15 and 49 years of age, 14 would use modern methods of contraception.
In the year 2050 the population increase would result in 141 people living in the village. Of which there would be:
• 81 Asians,
• 31 Africans,
• 12 Latin Americans,
• 10 Europeans, and
• 7 North Americans.
The DSW-graphic „The World as a Village“ can be viewed under: www.weltbevoelkerung.de/pdf/weltalsdorf.pdf>;
Facts and Figures made available through the German Foundation for World Population (DSW).