Global population to reach seven billion by 2011 - Report

The global population is expected to reach seven billion in 2011, according to the Population Reference Bureau's [PRB] 2009 World Population Data Sheet.

It said the increase was just 12 years after reaching six billion in 1999.

A statement issued in Accra on Tuesday by the Information Services Department and signed by Mr Constant K. Gladzah, Acting Director, said the youth population in Africa between 15 - 24 years had increased rapidly in the last 12 years. It said the growth of the world's youth population was shifting into the poorest countries' especially Africa and Asia, and Africa's population which was about one billion was growing by about 24 million per year, and would double by 2050.

Mr Carl Haub, PRB Senior Demographer and Co-author of the data sheet, said "the bulk of today's 1.2 billion youth are in developing countries with eight out of 10 living in Africa and Asia". Mr. Bill Butz, President of PRB described the increase as 'unprecedented in the world history," adding; "the world population is still growing despite the decline in fertility rate in many countries". The report said "during the next few decades, these young people would most likely continue the current trend of moving from rural areas to cities in search of education and training opportunities, gainful employment, and adequate health care".

However, it was not sure whether these "expectations would be met". The 2009 World Population Data Sheet provided up-to-date demographic, health, and environment data for all countries and major regions of the world.