Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have shown that errors in counting rural populations may lead to the global population being significantly underestimated compared to official statistics. According to Science Alert, current methods may underestimate the number of people living in rural areas by 53-84 percent.
The researchers analyzed demographic data from 1975 to 2010 and found that global population databases underestimate the population in rural areas. This suggests that official data on the world population may not cover several billion people.
Research Method and Key Findings
The scientists compared population estimates from 307 hydrotechnical projects in 35 countries with official data from five different databases. It became clear that there is a lack of complete information about people in rural areas. In particular, data on medical services, infrastructure, and population numbers were found to be significantly less comprehensive compared to urban areas.
Not all experts agree with this view
Some specialists believe that satellite imagery and improved methods of collecting population data could reduce the level of these errors. Nevertheless, the researchers emphasize that hundreds of millions of unaccounted people still exist and that this is crucial for planning public services and predicting the impacts of climate change.
What needs to be done?
According to the researchers' suggestion, population counting should be further improved, especially in rural areas, to allocate resources more accurately and better assess demographic data. Identifying the underestimated population through new approaches can enhance infrastructure and develop effective plans on a global scale.
