50 Facts: Global health situation and trends 1955-2025 - The
global population was 2.8 billion in 1955 and is 5.8 billion
now. It will increase by nearly 80 million people a year to
reach about 8 billion by the year 2025. - In 1955, 68% of the
global population lived in rural areas and 32% in urban areas.
In 1995 the ratio was 55% rural and 45% urban; by 2025 it will
be 41% rural and 59% urban. - Every day in 1997, about 365 000
babies were born, and about 140 000 people died, giving a
natural increase of about 220 000 people a day. - Today's
population is made up of 613 million children under 5; 1.7
billion children and adolescents aged 5-19; 3.1 billion adults
aged 20-64; and 390 million over 65. - The proportion of older
people requiring support from adults of working age will
increase from 10.5% in 1955 and 12.3% in 1995 to 17.2% in 2025.
- In 1955, there were 12 people aged over 65 for every 100 aged
under 20. By 1995, the old/young ratio was 16/100; by 2025 it
will be 31/100. - The proportion of young p