Key Takeaways
- Africa is home to 16 of the top 20 fastest-growing populations, while the Middle East holds four.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is forecast to reach a population of 225.6 million—up from 112.8 million—as soon as 2047.
At current rates, it will take 133 years for America’s population to double given aging demographics and low fertility rates.
By contrast, several countries in Africa and the Middle East are set to double in a quarter century. For instance, Kinshasa, in the DRC, is forecast to be among the most populous cities worldwide by 2080 given rapid population growth.
This graphic shows the fastest-growing populations in the world, based on data from the United Nations.
Below, we show countries with the fastest annual doubling rates at current projections:
Overall, the population of Arab states are projected to double in 36 years, supported by average fertility rates of 3.2 births per women. Yemen and Afghanistan each are set to double in size in 24 and 26 years, respectively.
In Africa, the Central African Republic and Somalia are set to reach this milestone in 21 years, making them the fastest-growing populations on the continent. Perhaps even more strikingly, the DRC, with a population of 112.8 million in 2025, could double by 2047.
Going further, the DRC is set to become the fifth-most populous country in 2100, up from 15th in 2025. Meanwhile, Nigeria is set to the fourth-largest by population after India, China, and Pakistan.
