Signal Populations diverging: Egypt adding 21 million while more than 50 countries shrink

Summary

The Megatrends 2040 report describes a world splitting into countries with growing populations and countries with shrinking ones. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, including Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia, India and Pakistan, are projected to grow. Of particular interest for Europe is growth in countries on the EU's southern borders, with Egypt alone expected to add 21 million inhabitants. By contrast, populations in the EU's eastern neighbours are shrinking or growing slowly, in line with EU trends. Overall, more than 50 countries are expected to see their populations decline in the coming years.