8 billion and counting: How Earth’s population exploded

Image: freepik.com/vectorjuice

Since the emergence of the first humans in Africa over two million years ago the world’s population has ballooned, with only fleeting pauses to the increasing number of people sharing planet Earth.

As the global population teeters on eight billion – a milestone expected to be reached in mid-November – AFP takes a look at the main chapters in the growth of humanity.