New research data is pointing towards population peak around 2055, about 8.7 billions, followed by decline to 8 billions by 2100 (http://www.cnbc.com/id/101018722). However, according to data given below peak population could occur by the year 2070 when the population might be 9.5 or 10 billion. Previous data by the United Nations “UN” foresee further rise until 2100 to reach 10.9 billions with no peak population.
The carrying capacity of planet earth is a very much-discussed topic with many different scenarios and predictions. However, increasing amount of data have shifted towards more clear trends a converging world population towards a peak around 2050 due to the declining of global fertility. All developed, less developed and least developed regions show declining fertilities that already started around 1960. The period of continuous increase in global population because of increasing average human life span and decline in human mortality will soon be over.
http://www.camelclimatechange.org/view/article/51cbee0b7896bb431f695b54/?topic=51cbfc8ef702fc2ba812d477
Nations with small number of inhabitants are faced rapid degradation of national structure. On the other hand Large populated countries having numerous issues regarding access to land, water and electric utilities.
Jovana, It depends on what do you mean by small number of inhabitants. There are many countries with small number of inhabitants, e.g. the Nordic countries and the Gulf countries, that they are indeed managing their national infra-structures very well. However, if you are referring to populations in small islands and countries in developing countries with limited economical resources and appropriate access to technology, education and R&D, then I would agree. What concerns huge/large populated countries it depends on complex socio-economic factors, including those you mentioned, and management of natural resources can require continuous long-term and large-scale policies and regulations such as those developed in the European Union.