In 2025, India overtook China as the world's most populous country and now has almost 1.46 billion people. China now has the second-largest population in the world, still with just over 1.4 billion inhabitants, however, its population went into decline in 2023. Global population As of 2025, the world's population stands at almost 8.2 billion people and is expected to reach around 10.3 billion people in the 2080s, when it will then go into decline. Due to improved healthcare, sanitation, and general living conditions, the global population continues to increase; mortality rates (particularly among infants and children) are decreasing and the median age of the world population has steadily increased for decades. As for the average life expectancy in industrial and developing countries, the gap has narrowed significantly since the mid-20th century. Asia is the most populous continent on Earth; 11 of the 20 largest countries are located there. It leads the ranking of the global population by continent by far, reporting four times as many inhabitants as Africa. The Demographic Transition The population explosion over the past two centuries is part of a phenomenon known as the demographic transition. Simply put, this transition results from a drastic reduction in mortality, which then leads to a reduction in fertility, and increase in life expectancy; this interim period where death rates are low and birth rates are high is where this population explosion occurs, and population growth can remain high as the population ages. In today's most-developed countries, the transition generally began with industrialization in the 1800s, and growth has now stabilized as birth and mortality rates have re-balanced. Across less-developed countries, the stage of this transition varies; for example, China is at a later stage than India, which accounts for the change in which country is more populous - understanding the demographic transition can help understand the reason why China's population is now going into decline. The least-developed region is Sub-Saharan Africa, where fertility rates remain close to pre-industrial levels in some countries. As these countries transition, they will undergo significant rates of population growth.

From now until 2100, India and China will remain the most populous countries in the world, however China's population decline has already started, and it is on course to fall by around 50 percent in the 2090s; while India's population decline is projected to begin in the 2060s. Of the 10 most populous countries in the world in 2100, five will be located in Asia, four in Africa, as well as the United States. Rapid growth in Africa Rapid population growth across Africa will see the continent's population grow from around 1.5 billion people in 2024 to 3.8 billion in 2100. Additionally, unlike China or India, population growth in many of these countries is not expected to go into decline, and instead is expected to continue well into the 2100s. Previous estimates had projected these countries' populations would be much higher by 2100 (the 2019 report estimated Nigeria's population would exceed 650 million), yet the increased threat of the climate crisis and persistent instability is delaying demographic development and extending population growth. The U.S. as an outlier Compared to the nine other largest populations in 2100, the United States stands out as it is more demographically advanced, politically stable, and economically stronger. However, while most other so-called "advanced countries" are projected to see their population decline drastically in the coming decades, the U.S. population is projected to continue growing into the 2100s. This will largely be driven by high rates of immigration into the U.S., which will drive growth despite fertility rates being around 1.6 births per woman (below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman), and the slowing rate of life expectancy. Current projections estimate the U.S. will have a net migration rate over 1.2 million people per year for the remainder of the century.

As of February 2025, China ranked first among the countries with the most internet users worldwide. The world's most populated country had 1.11 billion internet users, more than triple the third-ranked United States, with just around 322 million internet users. Overall, all BRIC markets had over two billion internet users, accounting for four of the ten countries with more than 100 million internet users. Worldwide internet usage As of October 2024, there were more than five billion internet users worldwide. There are, however, stark differences in user distribution according to region. Eastern Asia is home to 1.34 billion internet users, while African and Middle Eastern regions had lower user figures. Moreover, the urban areas showed a higher percentage of internet access than rural areas. Internet use in China China ranks first in the list of countries with the most internet users. Due to its ongoing and fast-paced economic development and a cultural inclination towards technology, more than a billion of the estimated 1.4 billion population in China are online. As of the third quarter of 2023, around 87 percent of Chinese internet users stated using WeChat, the most popular social network in the country. On average, Chinese internet users spent five hours and 33 minutes online daily.

IntroductionThe combined populations of China and India were 2.78 billion in 2020, representing 36% of the world population (7.75 billion). Wheat is the second most important staple grain in both China and India. In 2019, the aggregate wheat consumption in China was 96.4 million ton and in India it was 82.5 million ton, together it was more than 35% of the world's wheat that year. In China, in 2050, the projected population will be 1294–1515 million, and in India, it is projected to be 14.89–1793 million, under the low and high-fertility rate assumptions. A question arises as to, what will be aggregate demand for wheat in China and India in 2030 and 2050?MethodsApplying the Vector Error Correction model estimation process in the time series econometric estimation setting, this study projected the per capita and annual aggregate wheat consumptions of China and India during 2019-2050. In the process, this study relies on agricultural data sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO) database (FAOSTAT), as well as the World Bank's World Development Indicators (WDI) data catalog. The presence of unit root in the data series are tested by applying the augmented Dickey-Fuller test; Philips-Perron unit root test; Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin test, and Zivot-Andrews Unit Root test allowing for a single break in intercept and/or trend. The test statistics suggest that a natural log transformation and with the first difference of the variables provides stationarity of the data series for both China and India. The Zivot-Andrews Unit Root test, however, suggested that there is a structural break in urban population share and GDP per capita. To tackle the issue, we have included a year dummy and two multiplicative dummies in our model. Furthermore, the Johansen cointegration test suggests that at least one variable in both data series were cointegrated. These tests enable us to apply Vector Error Correction (VEC) model estimation procedure. In estimation the model, the appropriate number of lags of the variables is confirmed by applying the “varsoc” command in Stata 17 software interface. The estimated yearly per capita wheat consumption in 2030 and 2050 from the VEC model, are multiplied by the projected population in 2030 and 2050 to calculate the projected aggregate wheat demand in China and India in 2030 and 2050. After projecting the yearly per capita wheat consumption (KG), we multiply with the projected population to get the expected consumption demand.ResultsThis study found that the yearly per capita wheat consumption of China will increase from 65.8 kg in 2019 to 76 kg in 2030, and 95 kg in 2050. In India, the yearly per capita wheat consumption will increase to 74 kg in 2030 and 94 kg in 2050 from 60.4 kg in 2019. Considering the projected population growth rates under low-fertility assumptions, aggregate wheat consumption of China will increase by more than 13% in 2030 and by 28% in 2050. Under the high-fertility rate assumption, however the aggregate wheat consumption of China will increase by 18% in 2030 and nearly 50% in 2050. In the case of India, under both low and high-fertility rate assumptions, aggregate wheat demand in India will increase by 32-38% in 2030 and by 70-104% in 2050 compared to 2019 level of consumption.DiscussionsOur results underline the importance of wheat in both countries, which are the world's top wheat producers and consumers, and suggest the importance of research and development investments to maintain sufficient national wheat grain production levels to meet China and India's domestic demand. This is critical both to ensure the food security of this large segment of the world populace, which also includes 23% of the total population of the world who live on less than US $1.90/day, as well as to avoid potential grain market destabilization and price hikes that arise in the event of large import demands.

The US Census Bureau defines Asian as "A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam. This includes people who reported detailed Asian responses such as: Indian, Bangladeshi, Bhutanese, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Other Asian specified, Other Asian not specified.". 2020 Census block groups for the Wichita / Sedgwick County area, clipped to the county line. Features were extracted from the 2020 State of Kansas Census Block Group shapefile provided by the State of Kansas GIS Data Access and Support Center (https://www.kansasgis.org/index.cfm).Change in Population and Housing for the Sedgwick County area from 2010 - 2020 based upon US Census. Census Blocks from 2010 were spatially joined to Census Block Groups from 2020 to compare the population and housing figures. This is not a product of the US Census Bureau and is only available through City of Wichita GIS. Please refer to Census Block Groups for 2010 and 2020 for verification of all data Standard block groups are clusters of blocks within the same census tract that have the same first digit of their 4-character census block number. For example, blocks 3001, 3002, 3003… 3999 in census tract 1210.02 belong to Block Group 3. Due to boundary and feature changes that occur throughout the decade, current block groups do not always maintain these same block number to block group relationships. For example, block 3001 might move due to a change in the census tract boundary. Even if the block is no longer in block group 3, the block number (3001) will not change. However, the identification string (GEOID20) for that block, identifying block group 3, would remain the same in the attribute information in the TIGER/Line Shapefiles because block identification strings are always built using the decennial geographic codes.Block groups delineated for the 2020 Census generally contain between 600 and 3,000 people. Local participants delineated most block groups as part of the Census Bureau's Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP). The Census Bureau delineated block groups only where a local or tribal government declined to participate or where the Census Bureau could not identify a potential local participant.A block group usually covers a contiguous area. Each census tract contains at least one block group and block groups are uniquely numbered within census tract. Within the standard census geographic hierarchy, block groups never cross county or census tract boundaries, but may cross the boundaries of county subdivisions, places, urban areas, voting districts, congressional districts, and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian areas.Block groups have a valid range of 0 through 9. Block groups beginning with a zero generally are in coastal and Great Lakes water and territorial seas. Rather than extending a census tract boundary into the Great Lakes or out to the 3-mile territorial sea limit, the Census Bureau delineated some census tract boundaries along the shoreline or just offshore.

The statistic shows the total population of India from 2019 to 2029. In 2023, the estimated total population in India amounted to approximately 1.43 billion people.

Total population in India

India currently has the second-largest population in the world and is projected to overtake top-ranking China within forty years. Its residents comprise more than one-seventh of the entire world’s population, and despite a slowly decreasing fertility rate (which still exceeds the replacement rate and keeps the median age of the population relatively low), an increasing life expectancy adds to an expanding population. In comparison with other countries whose populations are decreasing, such as Japan, India has a relatively small share of aged population, which indicates the probability of lower death rates and higher retention of the existing population.

With a land mass of less than half that of the United States and a population almost four times greater, India has recognized potential problems of its growing population. Government attempts to implement family planning programs have achieved varying degrees of success. Initiatives such as sterilization programs in the 1970s have been blamed for creating general antipathy to family planning, but the combined efforts of various family planning and contraception programs have helped halve fertility rates since the 1960s. The population growth rate has correspondingly shrunk as well, but has not yet reached less than one percent growth per year.

As home to thousands of ethnic groups, hundreds of languages, and numerous religions, a cohesive and broadly-supported effort to reduce population growth is difficult to create. Despite that, India is one country to watch in coming years. It is also a growing economic power; among other measures, its GDP per capita was expected to triple between 2003 and 2013 and was listed as the third-ranked country for its share of the global gross domestic product.

India Imports from China was US$126.96 Billion during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. India Imports from China - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on July of 2025.

China Imports from India was US$18 Billion during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. China Imports from India - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on July of 2025.

China Exports to India was US$120.46 Billion during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. China Exports to India - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on July of 2025.

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Tote Bags Market Size 2025-2029

The tote bags market size is forecast to increase by USD 9.82 billion, at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The Tote Bag Market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing trend towards personalization and customization in luxury bags. This demand is particularly strong in the retail sector, with airport stores reporting robust sales due to the convenience and versatility of tote bags for travelers. Materials used range from canvas and cotton to more modern options like faux leather, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride. However, the market is also facing challenges such as fluctuating operational costs, including labor, logistics, and raw material costs, which can impact profitability. To capitalize on market opportunities, companies must stay agile and adapt to these cost pressures while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.
Meanwhile, the trend towards personalization offers a potential solution, with customized tote bags commanding a premium price point. By focusing on innovative design and efficient production processes, market players can differentiate themselves and navigate the dynamic market landscape.

What will be the Size of the Tote Bags Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The tote bag market continues to evolve, with various entities such as messenger bags, reusable tote bags, leather tote bags, and inventory management playing integral roles. Production efficiency and product differentiation are key factors driving market dynamics. Quality control and social media marketing are essential for maintaining brand reputation and customer loyalty. Seasonal demand influences pricing strategies, with eco-friendly tote bags and insulated tote bags gaining popularity. Customer segmentation and marketing channels are crucial for reaching target audiences effectively. Overnight bags, printed tote bags, and zippered tote bags cater to specific customer needs. Eco-friendly tote bags, beach bags, gym bags, and carry-on bags appeal to diverse demographics.

Brand loyalty is fostered through visual merchandising, sales promotion, and retail channels. Customer reviews significantly impact sales, with positive feedback contributing to increased demand. Inventory management is essential for ensuring product availability and efficient supply chain operations. Fashion trends influence the market, with recycled materials, pocketed tote bags, and embroidered tote bags gaining traction. Shoulder bags, point of sale, and value proposition are essential considerations for retailers. Consumer behavior and product lifecycle impact sales forecasting and customer retention strategies. The tote bag market is a dynamic and evolving landscape, with ongoing activities shaping market patterns. From production to sales, various entities collaborate to meet customer needs and maintain brand reputation.

How is this Tote Bags Industry segmented?

The tote bags industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Material

  Cotton
  Leather
  Others


Application

  Shopping
  Casual Every Day
  Laptop
  Sports
  Business and Travel
  Personalized


Pattern

  Printed
  Textured
  Solid


Size

  Large
  Medium
  Small


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic tote bag market, various entities play pivotal roles in shaping trends and consumer preferences. Ethical sourcing and production efficiency are key considerations for companies, ensuring they cater to the increasing demand for socially responsible and eco-friendly products. Duffel bags, insulated tote bags, and weekender bags continue to be popular choices due to their functionality and versatility. Product differentiation through unique designs, materials (such as recycled and leather), and features like pocketed interiors, zippered closures, and printed patterns, help brands stand out. Seasonal demand, particularly during holidays and fashion weeks, influences sales. Social media marketing and visual merchandising are essential channels for reaching target audiences, including millennials and Gen Z, who value brand loyalty and authenticity.

Pricing strategies and inventory management are crucial for staying competitive. Sales promotion, fashion trends, and customer reviews

As of February 2025, the United States was the region with the largest TikTok audience by far, with almost ****** million users engaging with the popular social video platform. Indonesia followed, with around ***** million TikTok users. Brazil came in third, with almost ***** million users on TikTok watching short-videos. From Reels to Shorts: social short video takes the internet Between 2021 and 2022 some of the most popular social media platforms have been adding short-video features on the heels of TikTok’s popularity. YouTube Shorts, which rolled out to the global market in June 2021, reached *** billion monthly active logged-in users in 2023. In comparison, Instagram’s short-video format Reels, which launched in August 2020, presented a higher view rate than regular videos on the platform between June 2021 and June 2022, as well as a higher likes rate than other content types on Instagram. TikTok business model TikTok is owned by the Beijing-based ByteDance, along with the short-video app Douyin (TikTok’s version for the Chinese market), video platform Xigua, and popular news app Toutiao. While the products intended for domestic market consumption operate in the Chinese digital ecosystem and have a plurality of established monetization methods such as a live-shopping events hosted by famous influencers, TikTok’s main revenue stream comes from online advertising. In 2022, TikTok was estimated to have generated around **** billion U.S. dollars worldwide via online advertising.

Healthy Fat Free Snacks Market Outlook

The global healthy fat-free snacks market size was valued at USD 10.8 billion in 2023, and it is projected to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during the forecast period. This market growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer awareness regarding healthy eating habits, coupled with rising incidences of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes, pushing the demand for healthier snacking options.

One of the major growth factors for the healthy fat-free snacks market is the growing awareness of health and wellness among consumers. With an increase in lifestyle-related diseases and a growing emphasis on fitness, consumers are becoming more conscious of their dietary choices. The trend towards clean eating and the rising popularity of diets that emphasize low-fat and high-nutrient foods are driving the demand for healthy fat-free snacks. This shift in consumer behavior is being supported by extensive research and media coverage that highlight the benefits of a fat-free diet. As a result, there is a steady increase in the development and consumption of fat-free snack options.

Another significant driver of market growth is the innovation in food processing technology. Advances in food science have enabled manufacturers to create snacks that are not only fat-free but also rich in flavor and texture. These technological advancements allow for the replacement of fat with healthier alternatives such as natural flavor enhancers and fiber. This ensures that the snacks remain tasty and appealing to consumers while fulfilling their health requirements. Furthermore, the use of advanced packaging solutions helps in maintaining the freshness and quality of these snacks, thereby extending their shelf life and making them more attractive to consumers.

The rising trend of on-the-go snacking also plays a crucial role in the market's growth. Busy lifestyles and the increasing need for convenience have led to a surge in demand for ready-to-eat snacks that are both healthy and portable. Fat-free snacks are increasingly being marketed as the perfect solution for health-conscious consumers looking for quick and convenient food options. This trend is particularly prevalent among younger demographics, such as millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize health and convenience in their food choices.

Regionally, North America dominates the healthy fat-free snacks market, driven by high levels of health awareness and disposable income among consumers. Europe follows closely, with a growing trend towards plant-based and organic snacks. In the Asia Pacific region, rapid urbanization and rising health consciousness are expected to drive significant market growth, particularly in countries like China and India, where lifestyle diseases are becoming more prevalent. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also witnessing gradual growth due to increasing awareness and the influence of Western dietary trends.

Product Type Analysis

In terms of product type, the healthy fat-free snacks market can be segmented into chips, crackers, popcorn, fruit snacks, and others. Chips continue to be a popular choice among consumers due to their convenience and wide range of flavors. The demand for fat-free chips is particularly high among younger demographics who seek healthier alternatives to traditional potato chips. Innovations in chip manufacturing, such as baking instead of frying, have contributed to the growth of this segment, making it a lucrative area for manufacturers to explore.

Crackers are another significant segment within the healthy fat-free snacks market. These snacks are favored for their versatility and ability to be paired with other healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat cheeses. The market for fat-free crackers is growing as consumers look for healthier options to complement their balanced diets. Manufacturers are focusing on offering a variety of flavors and ingredients, such as whole grains and seeds, to cater to the diverse preferences of health-conscious consumers.

Popcorn, traditionally known as a low-calorie snack, has gained popularity in the fat-free segment. The demand for fat-free popcorn is driven by its health benefits and its status as a whole grain. Consumers are increasingly opting for air-popped or lightly seasoned popcorn as a guilt-free snacking option. The availability of fat-free popcorn in various packaging sizes, from single-serving packs to family-sized bags, has also contributed to its widespread acceptance

Explore the top import markets for stainless steel in ingots or other primary forms based on the latest data from IndexBox platform. India, China, Belgium, and more - find out who leads the way in global stainless steel imports.

Facial Cleanser Market Outlook

The global facial cleanser market size is projected to reach USD 25.3 billion by 2032, up from USD 15.4 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to increasing consumer awareness about skincare, rising disposable incomes, and the proliferation of innovative and specialized products targeting specific skin concerns. The demand for facial cleansers is further propelled by the mounting emphasis on personal grooming and hygiene, particularly among younger demographics.

One of the primary growth factors for the facial cleanser market is the rising awareness and importance of skincare routines globally. With the advent of social media and the influence of beauty bloggers and influencers, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about various skincare products and their benefits. This has led to an increased adoption of facial cleansers as part of daily skincare regimens. Additionally, the growing prevalence of skin issues such as acne, dryness, and sensitivity has made consumers more conscious about the products they use, driving demand for high-quality facial cleansers.

The innovation and diversification of product offerings also play a significant role in the growth of this market. Manufacturers are continuously developing new formulations and types of facial cleansers to meet the diverse needs of consumers. For instance, the introduction of micellar water, which cleanses and hydrates the skin without the need for rinsing, has gained substantial popularity. Similarly, products targeting specific skin types such as oily, dry, and sensitive skin ensure that consumers have a personalized skincare experience, further driving market growth.

Another critical factor contributing to the market expansion is the increase in disposable incomes, particularly in emerging economies. With more spending power, consumers are willing to invest in premium skincare products, including facial cleansers. This trend is particularly noticeable in countries like China and India, where rising middle-class populations are increasingly adopting Western skincare habits. Furthermore, the expansion of retail channels, including both offline and online, has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of facial cleansers, thereby boosting market growth.

In recent years, Face Cleansing Wipes have emerged as a convenient and effective solution for on-the-go skincare. These wipes offer a quick and easy way to cleanse the face, removing dirt, oil, and makeup without the need for water. They are particularly popular among busy individuals and travelers who seek a hassle-free skincare routine. The portability and ease of use of face cleansing wipes make them a staple in many consumers' daily regimens. Additionally, the growing trend of eco-friendly and biodegradable wipes is gaining traction, as consumers become more environmentally conscious. This segment is expected to see significant growth as brands innovate with new formulations and sustainable materials.

Regionally, Asia Pacific holds a significant share of the facial cleanser market, driven by the large population base and growing beauty and personal care industry in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. The North American market is also substantial, with high consumer awareness and a strong preference for premium skincare products. Europe follows closely, driven by the increasing demand for organic and natural products. The Middle East and Africa, although smaller in market size, are expected to witness steady growth due to rising disposable incomes and changing beauty standards. Latin America is also emerging as a key market with growing urbanization and increased focus on personal grooming.

Product Type Analysis

The facial cleanser market is segmented into various product types, including foam cleanser, gel cleanser, cream cleanser, oil cleanser, micellar water, and others. Foam cleansers are popular for their ability to remove excess oil and impurities from the skin, making them a preferred choice among individuals with oily and combination skin types. These cleansers create a rich lather that effectively cleanses the skin without leaving it dry. Foam cleansers are particularly favored in regions with humid climates where oily skin issues are more prevalent.

Gel cleansers are another significant segment within the facial cleanser market. These products are known for their ligh

As of February 2025, English was the most popular language for web content, with over 49.4 percent of websites using it. Spanish ranked second, with six percent of web content, while the content in the German language followed, with 5.6 percent. English as the leading online language United States and India, the countries with the most internet users after China, are also the world's biggest English-speaking markets. The internet user base in both countries combined, as of January 2023, was over a billion individuals. This has led to most of the online information being created in English. Consequently, even those who are not native speakers may use it for convenience. Global internet usage by regions As of October 2024, the number of internet users worldwide was 5.52 billion. In the same period, Northern Europe and North America were leading in terms of internet penetration rates worldwide, with around 97 percent of its populations accessing the internet.

There are approximately 8.16 billion people living in the world today, a figure that shows a dramatic increase since the beginning of the Common Era. Since the 1970s, the global population has also more than doubled in size. It is estimated that the world's population will reach and surpass 10 billion people by 2060 and plateau at around 10.3 billion in the 2080s, before it then begins to fall. Asia When it comes to number of inhabitants per continent, Asia is the most populous continent in the world by a significant margin, with roughly 60 percent of the world's population living there. Similar to other global regions, a quarter of inhabitants in Asia are under 15 years of age. The most populous nations in the world are India and China respectively; each inhabit more than three times the amount of people than the third-ranked United States. 10 of the 20 most populous countries in the world are found in Asia. Africa Interestingly, the top 20 countries with highest population growth rate are mainly countries in Africa. This is due to the present stage of Sub-Saharan Africa's demographic transition, where mortality rates are falling significantly, although fertility rates are yet to drop and match this. As much of Asia is nearing the end of its demographic transition, population growth is predicted to be much slower in this century than in the previous; in contrast, Africa's population is expected to reach almost four billion by the year 2100. Unlike demographic transitions in other continents, Africa's population development is being influenced by climate change on a scale unseen by most other global regions. Rising temperatures are exacerbating challenges such as poor sanitation, lack of infrastructure, and political instability, which have historically hindered societal progress. It remains to be seen how Africa and the world at large adapts to this crisis as it continues to cause drought, desertification, natural disasters, and climate migration across the region.

Real-time payments, or RTP, were commonly used in Asia-Pacific in 2023, with transactions in India being almost ** times higher as in China. RTP is important in India due to its implementation in the country's Unified Payments Interface or UPI. An expanded ranking on the number of instant payments per country places India at the top with a figure that was higher than 43 other countries combined. India is expected to keep this position by 2028, although its predicted CAGR will be lower than Brazil, the United States, and Indonesia. UPI (India) and Pix (Brazil) are the two main systems Real-time payments generally have two main characteristics that make them appealing: One, as the name suggests, payments can be initiated and settled almost immediately, allowing consumers, businesses, bank to send and receive money across the world within minutes. Two, these schemes are not bound to the opening times of a bank, and are available "24/7" and 365 days in the year. These traits matter especially to countries with a complex payment market that need to be digitalized — such as in India with its UPI system, but also in Brazil (PIX). UPI in India and Pix in Brazil together reached nearly *** billion transactions in 2022. A2A payments: An enabler of real-time payment technology UPI and Pix are both also examples of applications that allow for A2A payments. A2A or account-to-account payments refers to direct payments from one party to the other without the need for an intermediary. Such intermediaries are card rails from the likes of Visa and Mastercard, which are essentially bypassed in A2A. These typically domestically developed payment options come from banks. A2A apps were more common in Latin America than in other parts of the world in late 2022. It should be noted that sources sometimes interpret A2A in different ways, as bank transfers (push requests) and direct debit (pull requests) can technically be a part of A2A as well.

As of February 2025, India was the country with the largest YouTube audience by far, with approximately 491 million users engaging with the popular social video platform. The United States followed, with around 253 million YouTube viewers. Brazil came in third, with 144 million users watching content on YouTube. The United Kingdom saw around 54.8 million internet users engaging with the platform in the examined period. What country has the highest percentage of YouTube users? In July 2024, the United Arab Emirates was the country with the highest YouTube penetration worldwide, as around 94 percent of the country's digital population engaged with the service. In 2024, YouTube counted around 100 million paid subscribers for its YouTube Music and YouTube Premium services. YouTube mobile markets In 2024, YouTube was among the most popular social media platforms worldwide. In terms of revenues, the YouTube app generated approximately 28 million U.S. dollars in revenues in the United States in January 2024, as well as 19 million U.S. dollars in Japan.

In 2023, it is estimated that the BRICS countries have a combined population of 3.25 billion people, which is over 40 percent of the world population. The majority of these people live in either China or India, which have a population of more than 1.4 billion people each, while the other three countries have a combined population of just under 420 million. Comparisons Although the BRICS countries are considered the five foremost emerging economies, they are all at various stages of the demographic transition and have different levels of population development. For all of modern history, China has had the world's largest population, but rapidly dropping fertility and birth rates in recent decades mean that its population growth has slowed. In contrast, India's population growth remains much higher, and it is expected to overtake China in the next few years to become the world's most populous country. The fastest growing population in the BRICS bloc, however, is that of South Africa, which is at the earliest stage of demographic development. Russia, is the only BRICS country whose population is currently in decline, and it has been experiencing a consistent natural decline for most of the past three decades. Growing populations = growing opportunities Between 2000 and 2026, the populations of the BRICS countries is expected to grow by 625 million people, and the majority of this will be in India and China. As the economies of these two countries grow, so too do living standards and disposable income; this has resulted in the world's two most populous countries emerging as two of the most profitable markets in the world. China, sometimes called the "world's factory" has seen a rapid growth in its middle class, increased potential of its low-tier market, and its manufacturing sector is now transitioning to the production of more technologically advanced and high-end goods to meet its domestic demand.

According to the Hurun Global Rich List 2025, the United States housed the highest number of billionaires worldwide in 2025. In detail, there were *** billionaires living in the United States as of January that year. By comparison, *** billionaires resided in China. India, the United Kingdom, and Germany were also the homes of a significant number of billionaires that year. United States has regained its first place As the founder and exporter of consumer capitalism, it is no surprise that the United States is home to a large number of billionaires. Although China had briefly overtaken the U.S. in recent years, the United States has reclaimed its position as the country with the most billionaires in the world. Moreover, North America leads the way in terms of the highest number of ultra high net worth individuals – those with a net worth of more than ***** million U.S. dollars. The prominence of Europe and North America is a reflection of the higher degree of economic development in those states. However, this may also change as China and other emerging economies continue developing. Female billionaires Moreover, the small proportion of female billionaires does little to counter critics claiming the global economy is dominated by an elite comprised mainly of men. On the list of the 20 richest people in the world, only one was a woman. Moreover, recent political discourse has put a great amount of attention on the wealth held by the super-rich with the wealth distribution of the global population being heavily unequal.