We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Who Is the World’s Eight-Billionth Person?

Margaret Lipman
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 634
Share

According to the United Nations, the world’s population has crossed the eight billion threshold. Although it is only a rough guess, the UN’s best estimate is that our planet reached that figure around November 15 – give or take a year or even two. In a symbolic gesture, the United Nations Population Fund has named baby Damián of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as the world’s eight-billionth person – though reactions are mixed about how this milestone should be received. Damián joins seven-billionth person Sadia Sultana Oishee of Bangladesh (born 2011), six-billionth person Adnan Mevic of Bosnia-Herzegovina (born 1999), and five-billionth person Matej Gaspar of Croatia (born 1987).

With advances in nutrition, health care, and hygiene, people worldwide are living longer than ever. At the same time, education and improved access to birth control are slowing the rate of population increase. Demographers anticipate that the global population will plateau sometime this century. The UN projects it will happen in the 2080s, with a peak population of around 10.4 billion, though others predict it will happen slightly earlier and at less than 10 billion. Regardless of the year or the figure, much of that growth will be concentrated in the Global South, with a handful of countries (India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Tanzania, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) predicted to account for the most significant increases.

Eight billion people may sound alarming, but experts say that it’s our use of resources, more than population figures, that is the real worry. We are using the planet’s resources 1.8 times faster than they can regenerate. Wealthier countries use disproportionately more resources than poorer ones. For example, if everyone on the planet consumed resources at the same rate and level as the United States, we would need more than five Earths to cope with the demand.

  • According to the UN, population growth is already slowing. According to projections, it will take another 15 years for the world to cross the nine billion threshold, whereas it took less than 12 years for the population to climb from seven to eight billion.
  • In many parts of the world, especially in Europe and East Asia, national population growth is below the replacement level, meaning that the fertility rate is lower than required to maintain a steady population.

  • The Philippines is also claiming the eight-billionth person. The Philippine Commission on Population and Development named Vinice Mabansag, born in Manila in the early hours of November 15, 2022 as their symbolic #8 billion.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/who-is-the-worlds-eight-billionth-person.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.