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] As many as 80% of the elderly population is expected to live in low- and middle-income countries by 2050. SUPA71
• [New] The world is currently experiencing an unprecedented demographic shift, with the elderly population expected to double by 2050. SUPA71
• [New] Wisconsin's working-age population has been declining since 2010 and is projected to continue shrinking through 2050. Insight on Business
• [New] Chief Nursing Officer of Ochsner Health (New Orleans): One of the most pressing workforce challenges in 2026 will be the shortage of nurses amidst an ever-increasing demand for care from an aging population. Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & A
• [New] Australian and global heart health advocates now warn heart valve disease is the next cardiac epidemic, driven by an ageing population and persistently low awareness. Mirage News
• [New] Fastest-Growing Region: Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region through 2033, fueled by the rapidly aging demographics in Japan and China, and a rising middle-class focus on preventive health. Persistence Market Research
• [New] By 2050, more than 85% of the world's population will live in developing countries. Businessday NG
• [New] The all-cause dementia population in England and Wales would reach 1.7 million (1.62-1.75 million) by 2040, assuming a 2.8% relative annual increase in incidence rate. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Feeding the projected 2050 population will require global agricultural production to increase by approximately 70% compared to 2005-2007 levels. Precision Risk Management
• [New] Nearly all projected population growth will occur in developing nations, with Africa's population expected to increase by two-thirds between 2024 and 2050, while Europe and North America populations remain relatively stable. Precision Risk Management
• [New] 56% of the global population resides in urban areas, a figure projected to reach 60% by 2030, intensifying demand for ready-to-cook ingredients. Market Data Forecast
• [New] From pension fund capital flows to sovereign debt risk, from healthcare investment to automation-driven productivity, the aging population economic impact is reshaping global bond markets and forex dynamics. seaglobalfx
• [New] With global urban populations projected to account for nearly 68% of total population by 2050, the scale of upcoming construction activity is substantial. openpr
• [New] Without immigration, the U.S. population would drop by 100 million by 2100, about one-third of its current size. Discover Magazine
• [New] In the next 75 years, the Chinese population is expected to decline by 786 million people, which is half of their current population. Discover Magazine
• [New] By 2035, half of the world's population, around 4 billion people, are expected to be living with overweight or obesity. Springer Nature
• [New] Dubai's population could approach 4 million within the next few years, sustaining long-term housing requirements. Khaleej Times
• [New] Switzerland will hold a referendum on capping its population at 10 million - a move that could damage its economy and endanger lucrative agreements with the EU. The Week
• [New] By 2051, an estimated 30% of Iran's population is expected to be over the age of 60. FinancialTribune
• [New] Five countries are expected to contribute to more than 60% of the world's population growth by 2100: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tanzania. The Pew Charitable Trusts
• [New] Although the world's population more than tripled in the last 75 years, the U.N. expects it to grow by only about 1.9 billion between now and 2100 (from some 8.2 billion to 10.2 billion). The Pew Charitable Trusts
• [New] On current trends, South Korea's population could begin to decline before the mid-point of this century. St James's Place

Last updated: 26 February 2026