The number of people living on planet earth reached 5 billion on this day in 1987, according to United Nations population estimates. In 1950, global population had been just 2.5 billion, and it took just 37 years for that figure to double to 5 billion, en route to the current global population of 7 billion. The 3 billion mark was hit in 1960, then 4 billion in 1975, 5 billion in 1987, 6 billion in 1999, and 7 billion this year.
China had a population of 550 million in 1950, rising to 810 million in 1970, then to 1.15 billion in 1990 and then to 1.34 billion in 2010. India has a population of 370 million in 1950, rising to 550 million in 1970, then to 870 million in 1990, and up to 1.22 billion in 2010. India is expected to catch up to China around 2020. Africa had a population of 230 million in 1950, 370 million in 1970, 640 million in 1990, and 1.02 billion in 2010. Africa’s population is expected to surpass that of both China and India by 2030.
Europe’s population was around 550 million in 1950, rising to 650 million in 1970, then 720 million in 1990 and 740 million in 2010. Thus although Europe started the past 60 years equal with China on population and well ahead of India and Africa, all three regions are now well ahead of Europe. North America had a population of 170 million in 1950, 230 million in 1970, 280 million in 1990, and 340 million in 2010.