The United Nations estimated that India is likely to surpass China as the most populous country in the world and that the world’s population will reach 8 billion on November 15.

The United Nations, as per a report released on World Population Day, mentioned that the global population growth fell below 1 percent in 2020 for the first time in 70 years. The world’s population is expected to grow up to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and a peak of around 10.4 billion during the 2080s, and is predicted to remain at that level until 2100, as per the UN’s latest projections.

The report also revealed that more than half of the projected increase in population until 2050 will be concentrated in just 8 countries, including Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tanzania. The UN also predicted that India, with a current population of 1.412 billion, will surpass China, with a current population of 1.426 billion, by the end of next year.

Calling 2022 a milestone year, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “This is an occasion to celebrate our diversity, recognize our common humanity, and marvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramatically reduced maternal and child mortality rates. At the same time, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our planet and a moment to reflect on where we still fall short of our commitments to one another.”