The world marked World Population Day on July 11 with the global population estimated at approximately 8.3 billion as of July 1, 2026, as the United Nations renewed calls to address demographic challenges and advance sustainable development.

This year's observance is held under the theme "Achieving the Hopes and Aspirations of Youth: Today and for the Future," emphasizing the need to expand opportunities for young people in education, healthcare, and employment.

According to the United Nations Population Division's 2024 population projections, about 1.3 billion people live in more developed regions, while nearly 7 billion reside in less developed regions. India and China remain the world's two most populous countries, together accounting for roughly 35 percent of the global population. Egypt ranks 13th worldwide, third in Africa, and first among Arab countries by population.

UN projections estimate that the global population will reach 8.9 billion by 2035 and 9.7 billion by 2050, with India expected to remain the world's most populous nation, followed by China.

The global population growth rate stood at 0.83 percent in 2026, although trends vary widely across countries. While nations such as China, Spain, and Finland recorded population declines, others—including Somalia and Niger—continued to experience rapid growth.

The global fertility rate is estimated at 2.23 children per woman, while life expectancy at birth averages 71 years for males and 76 years for females, reflecting persistent disparities in health and development between developed and developing countries.