Comparison of world population distribution by region in 1900 and 2000

The two pie charts illustrate the distribution of the global population across various regions in 1900 and 2000, during which time the total population rose from 1.6 billion to 6 billion.

Overall, Asia remained the dominant region in terms of population share, although its percentage declined over the century. Conversely, regions such as Africa saw a notable increase in their relative contribution to the world total.

In 1900, Asia accounted for 60% of the world's population, followed by Europe (including Russia) at 25%. North America represented 5%, while Africa and Latin America made up 4% and 3% respectively, with 3% classified as others. By 2000, the Asia Pacific region (including former Soviet Asia) still held the largest share at 54%, though this was a 6% decrease from the 1900 figure. Europe’s proportion dropped significantly to 14%.

In contrast, Africa’s share more than doubled, rising from 4% in 1900 to 10% in 2000. Latin America and the Caribbean also grew to 8%, while the Middle East and North Africa emerged as a distinct category at 6%. North America remained stable at 5%, while the 'others' category remained at 3%.