 Earth 's human population reached approximately seven billion on 31 October 2011 . Projections indicate that the world 's human population will reach 9 @.@ 2 billion in 2050 . Most of the growth is expected to take place in developing nations . Human population density varies widely around the world , but a majority live in Asia . By 2020 , 60 % of the world 's population is expected to be living in urban , rather than rural , areas . 
