Overall, there has been an increase in the population of the Southern Pacific Ocean countries, primarily due to the growth in the urban population and the youngest demographic, which also formed the largest segments in terms of region and age, respectively.
Regarding the total population, including both urban and rural residents, it has all increased. The South Pacific Ocean countries recorded a total population that had rocketed to 18 million residents by 2020, from 22 million people in 1950. After that, it will likely have reached about 42 million residents by 2040, primarily due to the growth of the urban population. About 6 million inhabitants were recorded in urban and rural areas in 1950, while the former rose significantly and reached the point of 28 million people in 2020 before increasing to an estimated figure of 32 million in the final year. This figure is predicted to be three times the population of rural areas in 2040.
Turning to the population of under 15 years old, 15-65 years, and over 65 years old. The youngest group soared from 7 million in 1950 to about 26 million people in 2020 before being estimated to reach a high of 29 million inhabitants, being the largest group throughout the period. With those who belonged to the 15-65 age group, and the oldest cohort recorded the slight increases, the former increased 3 million from 4 million residents from 1950 to 2020, leveling off for the rest of the period. Whereas the latter rose from about 1 million in 1950 to 5 million residents in 2020, prior to surpassing the 15-65-year-old group in 2030 to reach the second place, at approximately 10 million, if predictions are correct.