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Answer key · for teachers

Charts to read and discuss

Figures as of November 14, 2026, from each chart's current data.

Chart 1 of 1 · World

How has the world's population grown since 1960?

The chart's answer: The world had 8.22 billion people in 2025, about 2.7 times the 3.02 billion of 1960. It passed 8 billion in 2023. Figures are mid-year estimates from the United Nations, which revises them as new censuses come in.

Key numbers (People)

Questions

  1. Judging from the chart, about how many years did it take the world to add its most recent billion people?

    • Newest: 8.22B in 2025

  2. Is the line getting steeper or flatter in recent years? What does that tell you about the growth rate?

    • 1960 to 2025: up 5.19B (+172%)
    • Biggest rise from one point to the next: 91.6M, 1989 to 1990
    • Newest: 8.22B in 2025

  3. These numbers are estimates that the UN revises. Why is it hard to count every person on Earth?

    Open question: answers will vary. Look for answers that use the chart's numbers and source.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators: Population, total (CC BY 4.0 (credit the World Bank)) · Data as of Dec 31, 2025 · chart.ly/charts/world-population

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