When is World Population Day?
World Population Day 2027 is on Sunday
Sunday, July 11, 2027
July 11 every year. That's in 280 days.
until World Population Day begins, in your time zone
World Population Day is a UN observance that draws attention to population issues, from reproductive health and family planning to young people's prospects, aging and migration. The UN Population Fund, UNFPA, leads it.
About World Population Day
World Population Day looks at how the size, age and spread of the human population shape societies and the planet. Topics often include sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, young people's opportunities, aging populations, urbanization and migration, and how countries can plan for growth or decline.
The day grew out of the attention drawn by the Day of Five Billion, observed on July 11, 1987, when the world's population was estimated to have reached five billion. In 1989 the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme established World Population Day, and it was first marked on July 11, 1990, in more than 90 countries. In December 1990 the UN General Assembly, in resolution 45/216, decided to keep observing it. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) now leads the day with governments and partner organizations.
The world's population has grown fast in recent generations. According to the UN, it passed 7 billion in 2011, and the UN marked November 15, 2022, as the day it was projected to reach 8 billion. UN projections show growth continuing but slowing, to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050. The 2026 theme was "Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people, today and for the future," drawing on a UNFPA survey of young adults in 73 countries.
Sources: United Nations: World Population Day, United Nations: World Population Day background, UN DESA Population Division: Day of Eight Billion. How we check dates.
How to mark World Population Day
- Look up your country's population trends, such as its median age and birth rate, in UN or national statistics.
- Learn how access to family planning and maternal health care affects families, and support a reputable health organization working in this area.
- Talk with students about how population change affects your town, from school enrollment to housing and transportation.
- Explore an interactive population data tool and compare your country with one in a different region.
- Ask local leaders how your community is planning for population change, such as an aging population or new arrivals.
World Population Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, July 11, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, July 11, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, July 11, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, July 11, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, July 11, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, July 11, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, July 11, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Population Day 2027?
World Population Day 2027 is on Sunday, July 11, 2027. It falls on July 11 every year. In 2028, it is on Tuesday, July 11, 2028.
Why is World Population Day on July 11?
It follows the Day of Five Billion, held on July 11, 1987, which drew wide attention to the growing world population. The UN Development Programme's Governing Council made it a yearly observance in 1989.
Who organizes World Population Day?
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) leads the day, working with governments and partners. The UN General Assembly decided to continue the observance in 1990.
Is World Population Day a public holiday?
No. World Population Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.