Videographic: In what way is the planet's population changing?
Young and growing: An animated infographic showing how the global population is set to change. World demographics At midcentury, the median age in rich countries in North America, Europe and Oceania was around 30 years old. And in poor regions like Asia, Africa and Latin America it was closer to 20 years. Since then it’s risen considerably as people have fewer babies and live longer. But Africa’s high fertility rate and deaths from war, famine and diseases like AIDS kept the median age low. Though it is forecast to increase as people have longer, healthier lives. In the rich world, the increase will taper off, while the median age in poor countries will continue to surge. A similar trend is happening in terms of population. At midcentury, there were 2.5 billion people. In most places, the population grew at a slow but steady rate -- and is expected to mostly plateau to 2050. In Asia, the number of people ballooned -- and is forecast to taper off. But in Africa, the population increased tremendously -- and will continue to do so. In fact, Africa’s population is poised to more than double to almost two and a half billion people. And that will help make Africa the last, great emerging market. For more video content from The Economist visit our website: econ.st/1pg2Qyx
