World Population Day

World Population Day History

World Population Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about global population growth and the challenges and opportunities it brings. The day was first observed in 1989 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and was inspired by the public interest generated by the Day of Five Billion, which was observed in 1987, marking the date when the world's population reached 5 billion. The aim of World Population Day is to address critical population issues and emphasize the importance of reproductive health and rights.

In New Zealand, World Population Day is celebrated to highlight the country's population growth and the impact it has on various aspects of society. New Zealand's population has been growing steadily over the years and is projected to reach 5 million by 2020. This growth has both positive and negative impacts on society, including housing affordability, traffic congestion, and strain on social services.

Organizations such as the New Zealand Family Planning Association and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) collaborate with government agencies to organize events and activities to celebrate World Population Day in New Zealand. These events aim to inform New Zealanders about population issues and advocate for policies that promote reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development. World Population Day is observed annually on July 11th.

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.
• New Zealand's total fertility rate (TFR) has declined since the mid-20th century. In 1961, the TFR was 4.3 births per woman, and by 2019, it decreased to 1.9 births per woman.
• New Zealand has a median age of 38 years, with a relatively young population compared to many other developed countries. Approximately 20% of the population is aged under 15 years, while around 15% is aged 65 years and over.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Population Day

Top things to do in NZ 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.
• Explore Taika Waititi's Filmography. The New Zealand filmmaker is known for his unique filmmaking style, portraying New Zealand life, and combining humor and emotions in movies like Eagle vs. Shark (2007), Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016), and Jojo Rabbit (2019).
• Learn more about the population of New Zealand. Here are some suggestions:
  1. New Zealand Population: A Synopsis of Trends by C. McConnell
  2. New Zealand Demographic Indicators: An Overview of Population Trends and Demography by Brian Hall and William Cochrane
  3. Emerging Diversity: Demographic Trends in New Zealand by Philip Morrison