Global Scans · Population · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The global population is expected to reach 8.5 billion in 2030, up 1 billion from 2016. Western economies are declining in numbers and emerging economies witnessing burgeoning growth.

• [New] Precipitous population decline in the world's leading developed countries threatens to foreshadow similar issues in the United States, a trajectory the Trump administration likely holds limited capacity to reverse, experts warn. Institute for Family Studies
• [New] Linking NATGRID with NPR is expected to enhance preventive policing, improve inter-agency coordination, and strengthen counter-terrorism and organised crime investigations by providing faster access to reliable population data. / India IBPS Guide
• [New] The All India Tiger Estimation 2026, one of the world's largest wildlife population surveys, has begun from Indore. IBPS Guide
• [New] Van den Bosch's study found evidence that population declines were reduced in areas with even a small amount of open water, suggesting that conserving existing water sources and potentially providing artificial ones could help buffer desert birds from the worst effects of drought. The Invading Sea
• [New] Global South economies will account for over 65% of global GDP growth by 2035, driven by population expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure investment. RUSSIA'S PIVOT TO ASIA
• [New] About 330,000 Marylanders are part of the expansion population and would be subject to new work requirements to qualify for coverage, which would take effect no later than 2028. Maryland Matters
• [New] Official figures show the UK population is growing, largely as a result of migration, but also ageing, with 27% of the population expected to be 65 or older by 2072. The Guardian
• [New] Without any immigration, the U.S. population will start shrinking in five years. The Morning Call
• [New] The share of senior citizens in the U.S. population is projected to grow from 18.7% in 2025 to nearly 23% by 2050, while children under 18 decline from almost 21% to a projected 18.4%. The Morning Call
• [New] As India's influence continues to grow - and China contends with severe population decline - the world will be watching closely to see Delhi's next moves. GZERO Media
• [New] Employers' associations warn that the proposed ceiling ignores demographic realities: Switzerland's population is projected to reach 10 million by 2040 due mainly to natural growth and increased life expectancy, not solely immigration. VisaHQ
• [New] Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing region during 2026-2035, fueled by increasing smartphone adoption, supportive digitalization agendas, and a large underbanked population. Research Nester
• [New] While the global population is becoming increasingly internet connected - there are over 6 billion internet users as of 2026 - many are still accessing the internet though with just a phone, no desktop, and certainly no gaming console. Glimpse
• [New] Humanity faces the dual challenge of ensuring food security for a projected population of 10 billion by 2050, requiring a 70% increase in food production, while addressing the needs of over 735 million people currently experiencing hunger. PortfoPal
• [New] Global urbanization will see 68% of the population in cities by 2050, demanding sustainable infrastructure to address 70% of global emissions and 60-80% energy use. Ainvest
• [New] Half the world's population is projected to be overweight or obese, diseases which increase the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer. University of Bristol
• [New] Digital wallet users are projected to reach over 5 billion globally, representing substantial global population penetration and highlighting the unstoppable momentum toward digital payment adoption. Billfold
• [New] The population aged 65 and older is projected to increase by more than 30% in the next decade, raising demands for physician-led care across complex, chronic conditions. Missouri State Medical Assoc.

Last updated: 01 January 2026