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How did the world human population change from the 18th century onward?

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Line graph showing world population growth from 1700 to 2000 with a steep rise after 1950, followed by three projection scenarios for 2000 to 2100: high, medium, and low, reaching between 7 and 14 billion. — population Graph of the world's estimated human population from 1700 until 2000, with population projections extending until 2100.

From the 18th century onward, the world human population experienced a period of rapid, exponential growth, often described as a second major population explosion in human history.123

Prior to this era, population growth was constrained by high mortality rates due to famine, disease, and war. The shift began with the Industrial Revolution, which facilitated improved standards of living, nutrition, and transportation, eventually leading to advancements in public health and sanitation that significantly reduced death rates.13

This process is explained by the theory of demographic transition, where societies move from high birth and death rates to a state of lower fertility and mortality. While Europe and North America experienced this transition earlier, many developing nations saw a dramatic surge in population after World War II due to the rapid importation of medical and public health technologies.431

Although the world population reached 8 billion in 2022, overall growth rates have been declining since the second half of the 20th century, primarily due to lower fertility. Current projections suggest the population will peak at approximately 10.4 billion by 2080.23