The Earth’s population reached 5 billion in 1987 and rose to 8 billion by 2022. The fastest growth is occurring in Eastern Africa and in South and Southeast Asia.

Question for AI: Will the global population exceed 9 billion by 2030?

AI answer: NO. Probability 5%

The largest inflows of migrants to Europe come from Africa and Southwest Asia. In 2023, about 4.3 million migrants settled in Europe, and by 2024 migrants accounted for roughly 9.9% of the continent’s total population. Political crises and armed conflicts in parts of the world are driving migration to Europe.

Question for AI: During 2025, will more than 1 million new migrants from Asia and Africa arrive in Europe?

AI answer: YES. Probability 85%

There are approximately 2.2 billion Christians, 2 billion Muslims, and 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide; other religions make up the remaining share of the population. Islam is the fastest-growing religion, as are certain movements within Christianity and other religious groups.

Question for AI: By 2050, will a new religion emerge that attracts more than one billion followers?

AI answer: NO. Probability 1%