World Population Day 2020 –  facts and figures

            On the occasion of World Population Day, the UN Population Fund presents a brief overview of the world and population composition, birth rate, marital status and forecasts in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic.

IMPACT OF COVID-19

The crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic has had a severe impact on people, communities and economies around the world.

While countries apply blockades and health systems are severely tested, particularly vulnerable groups find themselves in an even more difficult situation. The life and health of the elderly are especially endangered, especially in care institutions. According to the World Health Organization, residents of nursing homes account for almost half of all deaths from the new coronavirus in Europe.

The programs related to the demographics of the countries are also seriously tested, including the regular censuses, which is planned to be carried out in 2020-2021 in 150 countries of the world, including Armenia. Families’ reproductive programs are at risk of suspension.

Reproductive and sexual health services are pushed aside and gender-based violence is on the rise. A study by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) shows that if the isolation continues for six months, an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence can be expected worldwide. Disruption of UNFPA programs due to the epidemic may affect 2020-2030 lead to an additional 13 million child marriages.

Only the realization of the potential of these problems, the investment of means and joint, backward work can improve the situation.

POPULATION OF THE WORLD

According to UN forecasts, the world’s population will continue to grow.

Nevertheless, the total birth rate will continue to decline.

In about half of the world’s settlements (including Armenia) the birth rate is lower than simple reproduction – 2.1.

The population of the world will also continue to grow old. Instead of the current 11 to 1, in 2050 one out of every 6 people in the world will be older. At the same time, the average life expectancy will increase from 73 to 77.

POPULATION OF ARMENIA

According to the latest publication of the RA Statistical Committee, in 2020 The number of both births and deaths in Armenia decreased in January-May. Armenia is approaching the stage (starting approximately in 2025) when the largest share of reproduction will be taken by those born in the early 2000s, the number of which was the smallest in the history of newly independent Armenia. As a result, a certain decrease in the number of births is expected.

Compared to the same period last year, the number of marriages has decreased by almost a third, the number of divorces by about 300. Apparently, such a decrease in the number of marriages is connected with the COVID-19 epidemic.

According to UN forecasts, in 2050 the birth rate in Armenia will increase slightly.

Unless other decisive factors are found, the population of Armenia, according to UN forecasts, will continue to decline after a slight increase.

The share of the elderly population in Armenia will continue to grow, which means that it is necessary to take urgent steps to keep our elderly people as healthy, capable and in demand as possible, to provide them with the necessary infrastructure.

The average life expectancy will also increase in Armenia.

According to the UNFPA Armenia Office

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