Shocking Facts about Africa Population that was Recently Studied

There are more than six billion people living in Africa.  Although it’s the world’s second largest continent, the population density in a few of its regions is quite low.  This is partly due to the huge Sahara desert – this area is occupying at least one-fourth of its landmass yet it’s not fit for habitation.

While in areas that support agriculture, population density here is slightly higher and closer to world average.  Certain facts about Africa population include the following:

•    Countries that are more economically developed have lower birth and death statistics.
•    On the other hand, less developed countries have high birth and death rates.
•    Wars, diseases, and famine have affected population growth over the last decade.
•    Currently as a whole, the continent has 3% population growth rate.

Demographic Study

However, there was a recently published demographic study reviewing current and projected population trends in the Sub-Saharan areas of Africa.  It also covers the development of the region as well.  Basically, this study demolished the general idea that there is under-population in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The study was commissioned and coordinated by French agencies (AFD and CEPED).  A joint team of specialist academics and scientists from Ivory Coast, France, Cameroon, and Belgium performed the work.

Other facts about Africa population found in the study reveal the following:

•    There are roughly 32 inhabitants for every two kilometers, and two out of three people are under the age of 25.
•    Two-thirds of the population is living in rural areas, however, there’s also massive migration to other towns and cities.
•    In 1960, only Johannesburg registered a population of more than one million, while today there are 40 countries having more than a million residents.

Family Planning

Since African countries have little access to education about contraception, it is estimated that there are more than five children for every woman living there.  Modern contraceptive methods are being used by 20% (or less) of the women, which contributes to the continent’s strong population growth.

Because of these facts about Africa population, the social and economic developments of the countries in the continent are being hampered.  If the nations want to reduce poverty, population policies must be developed.

Population Explosion

Generally, there has been phenomenal population growth particularly in the Sub-Saharan African regions since the start of the 20th century.  Population has indeed increased from 100 million (1990) to 770 million (2005).  And the latest projection of facts about Africa population from the United Nations envisions around two billion inhabitants populating the continent until 2050.