World Population Day 2027
A UN day drawing attention to population issues, including reproductive health, gender equality and the needs of young people.
Quick facts
- Date
- July 11
- Day of the week
- Sunday in 2027
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1989
- Established by
- Governing Council of the UN Development Programme
- Led by
- UN Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Hashtag
- #WorldPopulationDay
Overview
World Population Day, on July 11, focuses on how population trends affect development, the environment and human rights. In recent years the conversation has shifted from population numbers to people's ability to make their own choices about whether, when and how many children to have.
History
The day was inspired by the public interest in "Five Billion Day" on July 11, 1987, the approximate date the world's population reached five billion. In 1989 the Governing Council of the UN Development Programme recommended that July 11 be observed as World Population Day. The world population passed eight billion in November 2022, according to UN estimates.
- 1987World population reaches about five billion on July 11 ("Five Billion Day").
- 1989UNDP's Governing Council recommends World Population Day.
- 2022The UN estimates that world population passes eight billion.
Themes by year
How to celebrate
Learn the trends
Explore UN population data for your country and region.
Support reproductive health
Back organisations that provide family planning and maternal care.
Talk about choice
Discuss how education and equality shape family decisions.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
8 billion of us, one shared future. 🌍 #WorldPopulationDay
Rights and choices for everyone.
World Population Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | July 11 | Saturday | Passed |
| 2027 | July 11 | Sunday | 251 |
| 2028 | July 11 | Tuesday | 617 |
| 2029 | July 11 | Wednesday | 982 |
| 2030 | July 11 | Thursday | 1,347 |
| 2031 | July 11 | Friday | 1,712 |
Frequently asked questions
When is World Population Day?
Every year on July 11.
Why July 11?
It recalls July 11, 1987, when the world population reached roughly five billion.
Last updated November 2, 2026