Pakistan will become the world’s third most populous nation by 2050

Pakistan’s fertility rate has dropped significantly from six births per woman in 1994 to 3.6 in 2024, according to the United Nations World Fertility Report 2024. Despite this decline, the country is on track to become the world’s third most populous nation by 2050, overtaking the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, and Russia.

From a population of 31 million in 1947 to 241 million in 2023, Pakistan’s rapid growth remains a major concern. Family planning programs, contraceptive distribution, and rural education initiatives—backed by global organizations like the UN Population Fund—aim to curb this surge.

However, cultural, religious, and gender-related challenges continue to slow progress. By 2050, Pakistan’s population could exceed 380 million, with the fertility rate expected to drop further to 2.5 by 2054.