Global Population and International Cooperation

World Population

• Nearly 8 billion people worldwide.
• Reside in approximately 200 countries.
• Countries interact through trade and travel.

International Organizations

United Nations (UN)

• Comprises 193 member states.
• Objectives:
  • Secure international peace.
  • Strengthen friendship between countries.

Federal States

• Example: United States.
• Formed by independent states coming together (e.g., US federal state formation in late 18th century).

European Union (EU)

• Consists of 27 member states.
• Member states cooperate in multiple areas:
  • Address cross-border crises (e.g., pandemics, financial crises, refugee crises).
• Developed into a supranational organization:
  • Can make binding decisions for member states.
  • Member states surrender decision-making power in certain areas to gain advantages.
• Inspired other regions, e.g., Africa.

African Union

• Formed by African countries post-independence (mostly after 1960s).
• Goals:
  • Prevent war.
  • Increase trade.
  • Facilitate movement across countries.
• Modeled somewhat after the EU.