Population

In 1950, there were some 2.5 billion people on this planet; that's 2,500,000,000 - 2,500 million. A lot. 

BUT

By 2012 there are some 7 billion - 7,000,000,000 - nearly 3 times as many as in 1950

In the UK, the shift in the same period has been from approximately 50 million to approx 62 million.

No wonder it sometimes feels crowded and that there appears to be increased competition for the world's assets.

Of course, no only are there more people, but they are all, generally more mobile, driving and flying hither and thither thus increasing the visible number.