South Korea still has one of the lowest birthrates in the world, according to a report released on Wednesday by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through the Planned Population Federation of Korea (PPF). The country's total birthrate was 1.22, following last year's lowest rate at 1.2.

The report, titled "World Population Prospects 2009," ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina at bottom at 1.21 this year. But the PPF said South Korea in fact ranked lowest given the birthrate was 1.19 according to a census by the National Statistical Office last year. "South Korea in fact has the lowest birthrate given that the UNFPA report estimates the birthrate based on data over the last five years."

But even 1.22 is far lower than half the world average of 2.54 and also lower than the average among developed countries of 1.64. South Korea ranked 26th in terms of population with 48.3 million this year. But if the low birthrate continues, the population is expected to drop to 44.1 million by 2050, plummeting to 41st.

Meanwhile, North Korea ranked 52nd with a fertility rate of 1.85, and 47th for population with 23.9 million. If their populations are combined, the two Koreas would rank 19th with a combined population of 72.2 million.

The world population stood at 6.83 billion this year, up 79.7 million from last year. China is the most populous nation with 1.35 billion, followed by India (1.2 billion) and the U.S. (314.7 million). But India will emerge as the most populous nation with 1.61 billion by 2050, with China following behind with 1.42 billion.

The world average life expectancy was 65.8 years for men and 70.2 years for women. South Korea ranked 32nd in terms of average life expectancy for men at 76.2, and 17th for women at 82.8.