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World Population Day raises awareness about family planning, gender equality, and reproductive health.
World Population Day 2025 theme is “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.” (AI generated image)
World Population Day 2025: Observed on July 11 to spread awareness about population-related issues, World Population Day highlights important topics like family planning, gender equality, and reproductive health. The United Nations established this day in 1989 to mark the “Day of Five Billion,” when the global population reached five billion people.
The day encourages people, governments, and organisations to discuss the impact of population growth on the environment, resources, and development. It promotes the need for action and understanding to manage population challenges.
World Population Day also focuses on finding solutions that support sustainable growth and improve lives. It reminds us to work together for a healthier and more balanced future for all.
World Population Day 2025: Theme
This year’s theme, “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” highlights the importance of giving youth the rights, resources, and support they need to take control of their future.
World Population Day 2025: History
The idea of World Population Day began in the 1980s. On July 11, 1987, the world’s population reached around five billion, drawing global attention to important issues like population growth, use of resources, and sustainable development.
In 1989, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Governing Council decided that July 11 should be observed every year as World Population Day.
Later, in December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly officially approved this through Resolution 45/216. The first celebration of World Population Day took place on July 11, 1990, and over 90 countries participated in the event.
World Population Day 2025: Significance
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about population issues that affect the world. It also aims to support reproductive health and rights, such as giving people access to family planning and proper education. Another goal is to promote gender equality and empower women to make their own health and family choices.
World Population Day also focuses on the importance of sustainable development, where the needs of both people and the environment are balanced. It encourages countries to work together and take actions that ensure a better and fairer future for all.
By observing this day, people around the world are reminded of the impact population growth has on society, and the importance of making smart, fair choices to build a more equal and healthy world.
World Population Day 2025: Celebrations
World Population Day is marked by different activities and programs designed to spread awareness about population-related issues.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments, NGOs, and global organisations run campaigns to inform people about topics like family planning, reproductive health, and population growth. These efforts help people understand why these issues matter.
- Seminars and Public Lectures: Educational events are held at local, national, and international levels. Experts speak about the causes and effects of population growth and offer ideas for solutions.
- Art and Cultural Programs: Creative events like art shows, music, and drama performances are organised to share important messages engagingly and emotionally.
- Health Camps and Services: In many areas, especially where healthcare is limited, health camps are held. These provide services like family planning advice, checkups for mothers, and guidance on reproductive health.
- Youth Involvement: Special focus is given to young people. Events and programs help them learn about their rights, how to make informed decisions, and understand the importance of taking care of their health and future.
World Population Day 2025: Slogans
- Control overpopulation to avoid starvation.
- Birth control is the key to population control.
- Focus on population control to fight poverty and illiteracy.
- Plan your family, protect the planet.
- Take a pledge to control the population.
- Start family planning for a happier future.
- Keep your family small for a big, happy life.
- Celebrate World Population Day to help control population growth.
World Population Day 2025: Top 10 Most Populous Countries
Here are the top 10 most populous countries, based on the latest figures from World Population Review.
- India: India holds the top spot as the world’s most populous country, with a projected population of over 1.46 billion in 2025. The population is growing at an annual rate of about 0.89 per cent. India has a young and diverse population, with a median age of around 28.8 years. Over 37 per cent of its people now live in cities and urban areas.
- China: It is the second most populous country with about 1.42 billion people in 2025. Its population is declining by 0.23 per cent, with a median age of 40.1 years. Around 67.5 per cent live in urban areas, and the country faces issues like an ageing population and low birth rates.
- United States: In 2025, the U.S. has about 347 million people, growing at 0.54 per cent annually. Growth is fuelled by both migration and births. The median age is 38.5 years, and over 82 per cent of the population lives in urban areas.
- Indonesia: By the end of 2025, Indonesia’s population is expected to reach around 286 million, growing at 0.79 per cent annually. With a median age of 30.4 years, about 60 per cent live in urban areas. High fertility rates continue to drive its strong population growth.
- Pakistan: Pakistan’s population is around 255 million in 2025, growing quickly at 1.57 per cent per year. With a median age of 20.6 years, it has a very young population. About 34.4 per cent live in cities, and the country faces issues like overpopulation, poverty, and strained infrastructure.
- Nigeria: By the end of 2025, Nigeria is expected to reach a population of 238 million, making it one of the fastest-growing countries globally. With a growth rate of 2.08 per cent and a median age of just 18.1 years, it has a very young population. Over half live in urban areas, and high birth rates fuel this rapid rise.
- Brazil: It is projected to have 213 million people by the end of 2025, with a low growth rate of 0.38 per cent. It is South America’s largest country by area and has a median age of 34.8 years. With 91.4 per cent of its population in cities, Brazil is experiencing slower growth and an ageing population.
- Bangladesh: In 2025, Bangladesh is expected to have a population of about 176 million, growing at 1.22 per cent annually. With a small land area, it has a very high population density of 1,350 people per km². The median age is 26 years, and over 42 per cent of the population lives in urban areas.
- Russia: Russia’s population in 2025 is around 144 million, declining at 0.57 per cent. With a median age of 40.3 years, it has an ageing population, and 75 per cent live in cities.
- Ethiopia: Ethiopia will have about 135 million people in 2025, with a high growth rate of 2.58 per cent. It has a young population (median age 19.1), and only 22.5 per cent live in urban areas.
Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect…Read More
Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect… Read More
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