Statistics

Abu Dhabi population in 2024 grows 7.5% to reach 4.14 million

Abu Dhabi population in 2024 grows 7.5% to reach 4.14 million

09:41, 1 July 2025

Kazakhstan’s emissions from stationary sources surpass 2mln metric tons

Kazakhstan’s emissions from stationary sources surpass 2mln metric tons

15:45, 30 June 2025

Iran's product export via Golestan Province to Kazakhstan triples over several years

Iran's product export via Golestan Province to Kazakhstan triples over several years

11:17, 30 June 2025

More couples marry in August than any other month in Kazakhstan, statistics show

More couples marry in August than any other month in Kazakhstan, statistics show

09:37, 29 June 2025

Global wealth

UBS: Global wealth up 4.6% in 2024, with U.S. and Eastern Europe leading the way

08:00, 27 June 2025

Global population growth to continue through 2050 despite falling fertility rates: UNFPA UNFPA representative Mariam Khan urges governments to shift focus from growth to people's real-life choices, support systems Beyza Binnur Donmez | 26.06.2025 - Update : 26.06.2025 INTERVIEW - Global population growth to continue through 2050 despite falling fertility rates: UNFPA GENEVA The global population may be growing more slowly than before, but it’s still growing. In fact, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that by 2050, the world population will be 20%-30% larger than it was in 2020 -- nearing 10 billion people -- and will only begin to level off around 2100. But beneath these numbers lies a more complex and urgent story. "Population is impacted by three factors: fertility, mortality and migration," UNFPA representative Mariam Khan told Anadolu. "And these three are constantly in flux." While people across the globe are living longer, fertility rates are falling. According to UNFPA, average global fertility has dropped from five children per woman in the 1950s to just 2.3 today. By 2050, it is projected to reach 2.1 -- the so-called “replacement level.” "Two-thirds of the world now lives in low-fertility contexts," Khan said. "People are living longer, but many are choosing to have fewer children." Declining fertility, rising concerns Despite the slowdown, many governments remain locked in outdated frameworks focused solely on growth. Khan warned that this model is no longer sustainable or reflective of how people live and decide today. "We're moving into a world where population is growing more slowly, is going to be older, and might need to, also for purposes of the environment, consume less," she said. "It’s not about whether the number is high or low. It's about adapting to these changes.” In many countries, there is now a consistent gap between how many children people would like to have and how many they actually do. "Almost in every country," the number of children that couples actually have is lower than they desire to have, Khan noted, explaining that such a gap is due to economic and social barriers. From high housing and education costs to unequal care responsibilities and limited access to reproductive health services, many factors prevent people from reaching their desired family size. Unpaid care work, still largely done by women, further limits options. "Care work consumes a lot of time, mental space, and actual time," said Khan. "Sharing in that frees up both the man and the woman to have opportunities...including the number of children they want to have." Why short-term fixes don't work Some governments have turned to cash bonuses and tax breaks to raise fertility rates. But according to UNFPA, these policies often fall short -- especially if they fail to address the deeper, structural issues. "History tells us that attempts to reverse fertility decline through short-term incentives or coercive measures often fail and can even backfire," said Khan. "They narrowly focus on influencing women to have more children, without addressing deeper structural issues." Instead, UNFPA advocates for long-term, women- and family-friendly policies that address economic insecurity, ensure reproductive rights and promote gender equality. "The goal is to support individuals who wish to have children," Khan emphasized. Countries that have made real progress, she said, have taken an inclusive approach. That includes workplace equality, accessible childcare, flexible work models and shared parental leave -- all of which make it easier for families to thrive. "Policies that promote gender equality, protect reproductive rights and provide sustainable economic and social support are the keys to reaching desired fertility and building a resilient society," she said. Adapting to an aging population As fertility declines and populations age, many countries will soon face new social and economic challenges. Khan said this is not a reason for panic, but for preparation. The working-age population will start to decrease while the share of elderly people in the population continues to increase, she explained, and said: "This leads to dependency ratios that place a bigger burden on those working." In practical terms, that means reforming pension systems, strengthening health care infrastructure and reconsidering retirement policies. “Aging populations don’t signal collapse," she said. "They require adjustment -- and vision." Regarding what global cooperation can offer, she said the challenges are not unique to any one country -- and neither are the solutions. Khan emphasized the importance of international cooperation, knowledge sharing and evidence-based policy development. "By learning from global examples—from Japan and South Korea to Sweden and France—all countries can shape their own path," she said. "The core question isn’t whether there are too many or too few people but whether everyone has the equal rights and opportunities to shape their own lives with dignity."

Global population growth to continue through 2050 despite falling fertility rates: UNFPA

16:50, 26 June 2025

Kazakhstan’s amusement and recreational parks record 15.5 mln visits in 2024

Kazakhstan’s amusement and recreational parks record 15.5 mln visits in 2024

14:12, 26 June 2025

Japan work-related mental illness cases top 1,000, record for 6th yr

Japan work-related mental illness cases top 1,000, record for 6th yr

09:42, 26 June 2025

Foreign tourists to S. Korea expected to top 20 mln this year: report

Foreign tourists to S. Korea expected to top 20 mln this year: report

08:20, 26 June 2025

Kazakhstan’s poultry stock hits 45.7 mln

Kazakhstan’s poultry stock hits 45.7 mln

14:58, 25 June 2025

S. Korea sees fastest on-year growth in births in 34 yrs in April

S. Korea sees fastest on-year growth in births in 34 yrs in April

14:11, 25 June 2025

Median age of Kazakhstan's population rises to 32.3

Median age of Kazakhstan's population rises to 32.3 years

22:24, 24 June 2025

Kazakhstan’s emigration hits new low in January-April 2025

Kazakhstan’s emigration hits new low in January-April 2025

11:44, 24 June 2025

Argentina's jobless rate rises to four-year high

Argentina's jobless rate rises to four-year high

18:13, 20 June 2025

Kazakhstan set to increase oil deliveries to Germany

Kazakhstan set to increase oil deliveries to Germany

13:08, 20 June 2025

World Bank expects 4.9% growth for UAE economy in 2026, 2027

World Bank expects 4.9% growth for UAE economy in 2026, 2027

21:46, 19 June 2025

S. Korea's living costs significantly above OECD average: BOK

S. Korea's living costs significantly above OECD average: BOK

21:42, 18 June 2025

China-Central Asia trade hits all-time high in January-May 2025

China-Central Asia trade hits all-time high in January-May 2025

19:42, 18 June 2025

South Korea

S. Korea's global competitiveness falls 7 notches to 27th in 2025: report

09:26, 17 June 2025

Triplets born in Aktobe region

Triplets Amir, Amina and Aisha born in Aktobe

09:14, 17 June 2025

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