Which geographic area has the largest population in the 21st century?

• A. Africa / Sub-Saharan
• B. Asia / Mid-latitudes
• C. Europe
• D. North America

Answer: (B)

Population distribution across geographic areas shows where most people live. In the 21st century, Asia contains the largest number of people. It includes very populous countries like China and India, plus many others, so roughly six of every ten people on Earth live there. Africa’s population is growing quickly and may surpass Asia later in the century, but currently Asia remains the most populous region. Europe and North America have smaller totals due to different demographic patterns. Therefore, the geographic area with the largest population is Asia in the mid-latitude region.