World Population Day

World Population Day History

World Population Day is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about global population issues, including the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, and human rights. Observances are intended to emphasize the urgency of addressing population-related concerns and to promote conversations about the need for equitable and sustainable solutions for a growing global community. As a developed nation with a diverse population, Canada plays a significant role in understanding and addressing these issues.

The event was first established by the United Nations (UN) in 1989, in response to the global population surpassing five billion people. World Population Day has since grown to encompass a wide range of issues that impact people's well-being around the world. Canada's commitment to international development efforts, and its support for initiatives to improve global health, education, and human rights, are closely aligned with the goals of World Population Day. As a leader on the international stage, it is crucial for Canadians to recognize and address the challenges faced by a rapidly growing global population.

In Canada, World Population Day is observed by events such as seminars, workshops, and panel discussions that focus on the significance of population-related issues. These events aim to engage communities, policymakers, and organizations in conversations about sustainable development and efforts to improve quality of life for people around the world. World Population Day is observed annually on July 11th, allowing Canadians to come together and show their solidarity with the international community in addressing the challenges of a rapidly growing global population.

World Population Day facts

• The theme for World Population Day in 2023 was 8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The case for rights and choices.
  The theme in for World Population Day in 2022 was A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all - harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all.
• The annual growth rate of the world's population peaked at 2.1% in 1962 and since been decreasing. It is estimated that by the year 2100, the population will slow to 0.06% annual growth.
• Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area but has a low population density of about 4 people per square kilometer. Most Canadians live within 200 kilometers of the Canada-US border.
• Approximately 81% of Canada's population lives in urban areas, with the largest cities being Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Population Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Population Day

• Reduce your carbon footprint to slow global warming and pollution. Walk instead of driving, use energy saving light bulbs, carpool with others, turn down the AC/heat when you are not home, and reuse and recycle paper, bottles, and plastics.
• Spread the word about birth control methods. Over half of the pregnancies every year in the US are unplanned and could have been prevented by birth control methods such as pills, rings, IUDs and condoms.
• Watch One Day in Canada (2004). This documentary explores a single day in the lives of Canadians from coast to coast, showcasing the diversity, culture, and lifestyles of the Canadian population.
• Read a book to learn more about population growth in Canada. Here are some suggestions:
  1. Population and Public Policy in a Canadian Context by Alan Green, Richard A. Wanner, and Kevin Mcquillan
  2. The Canadian Population in Transition: A Demographic Analysis of Canada by Roderic Beaujot
  3. Canadian Census: Analyzing the Shifts in Canada's Population by Ann Kim, Dirk Hoerder, and Nadine Lefaivre