World Population Day

World Population Day is observed globally on 11th July every year. It is earmarked to create awareness among the public regarding population issues such as family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and some others.

In 1989, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended observing 11th July as World Population Day, a day to focus attention on the need and significance of population issues. It was primarily inspired by the Five Billion Day on 11th July 1987, the approximate date on which the world’s population touched five billion people.

The first World Population Day was celebrated in 1990. Since then, the specialised agency, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been active in celebrating world population day with coordination of various countries, organisations and institutions. 

Did you know?

• UNFPA is formerly known as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities. In 1987, it was renamed as the United Nations Population Fund. However, the original abbreviation, UNFPA, was retained.
• The world population reached 7715 million in 2019.
• China is the most populous country in the world with 1.4 billion people.
• Vatican city is the least populous country in the world with less than 1000 people.