The planet's population is projected to reach 6.5 billion at 7:16 p.m. EST Saturday, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and its World Population Clock.

Nations at sub-replacement fertility, meaning the average woman has fewer than two children in her lifetime, include former members of the Soviet Union, Japan and most of Europe. The highest population growth rates emanate disproportionately from the poorest regions of Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

U.S. population is also growing at a steady clip, augmented by high numbers of immigrants.

http://www.wirednews.com/news/technology/0,70238-0.html?tw=wn_index_23

[ A half-billion people can live well on earth without destroying the environment. 2 billion people can live normally while only partially destroying the environment. 6 billion people can live in constant infighting over resources while ravaging the environment. Which do you choose? Oh, I forgot -- you can't, because in democracy to deny anyone's dream, no matter how useless or destructive they or it are, is taboo. And that's why ecocide coinciding with our collective suicide is imminent. ]