World population in 2026: what changes this year
Countries and areas reaching a milestone this year, from UN projections. The page changes with the calendar year.
Population growing in 172 countries, shrinking in 65
Compared with 2025 (UN medium-variant projections).
Population peaks this year
The total population reaches its highest point in 1950–2100 this year and declines afterwards.
Becoming a 'super-aged' society (65+ reaches 21%)
Share aged 65 and over, last year → this year.
- Austria 20.8 → 21.3
- Netherlands 20.7 → 21.0
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon 20.4 → 21.1
- Sweden 20.8 → 21.0
- Belgium 20.7 → 21.1
- Poland 20.4 → 21.0
- Lithuania 20.4 → 21.0
Becoming an 'aged' society (65+ reaches 14%)
Share aged 65 and over, last year → this year.
Becoming an 'ageing' society (65+ reaches 7%)
Share aged 65 and over, last year → this year.
- Guyana 6.9 → 7.1
- Tuvalu 6.8 → 7.3
- South Africa 6.8 → 7.0
Fertility falls below the replacement level (2.1)
Total fertility rate, last year → this year.
- Indonesia 2.10 → 2.08
- Bangladesh 2.11 → 2.09
Median age passes 40
Median age, last year → this year.
- Norway 39.9 → 40.1
- China, Macao SAR 39.6 → 40.3
Median age passes 30
Median age, last year → this year.
Related
Source: UN World Population Prospects 2024; medium-variant projections from 2024.