A report presented at the 2015 Joint Statistical Meetings has stated that the current world population stands at 7.3 billion. But it will alarmingly increase to 9.7 billion by 2050 and 11.2 billion by the end of the century.

United Nations Population Division Director John R. Wilmoth’s report has stated that if the slowdown has to be witnessed in the population growth then there is a need to reduce fertility rate, especially in the most problematic areas including portions of sub-Saharan Africa.

To prepare the report, the report-makers have used models to find out demographic changes based on historical data. From these models, the researchers came to know that the world population number will lie somewhere between 9.5 and 13.3 billion by 2100.

Main factor that will influence the world’s population growth is the estimated rise in the African population. Currently, Africa’s population is 1.2 billion and by 2100, the number is expected to increase to 3.4 billion to 5.6 billion by 2100.

Due to high fertility rates, Africa has been witnessing a continuous growth in the population. Though Africa’s fertility rate has been declining over the past 10 years, it is not dropping as much required. As per the report, there are some African countries where a decline in total fertility rates is almost non-existing.

In Africa, Nigeria is the most populous nation. The report is considered to be important, as it can bring changes in policies of nations.