Accra: The global population is expected to reach seven billion in 2011 and the increase would happen in just 12 years after reaching six billion in 1999, says the World Population Data Sheet prepared by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB).
In a statement issued by the Information Services Department, Acting Director Constant K Gladzah said that growth of the world`s youth population was shifting to the poorest countries` especially Asia and Africa, and latter`s population of one billion was growing by about 24 million per year, and would double by 2050.
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 8 out of 10 living in Africa and Asia".
Bill Butz, president of PRB described the increase as `unprecedented in the world history," and that "the world population is still growing despite the decline in fertility rate in many countries".
The report also 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. (GNA)
Bureau Report
