Manila welcomes world's 'eight billionth' baby

The world population crossed 8 billion on Tuesday as Manila welcomed Vinice Mabansag.

The new-born girl is being seen as the symbolic 'eight billionth baby' and Philippines' Commission on Population and Development even celebrated her birth with a post on Facebook.

The UN described the global population reaching eight billion as a “remarkable milestone”.

"8 billion hopes. 8 billion dreams. 8 billion possibilities. Our planet is now home to 8 billion people," the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) tweeted.

"The growth of our population is a testament to humanity’s achievements, including reductions in poverty and gender inequality, advancements in health care, and expanded access to education,” the UNFPA said.

"These have resulted in more women surviving childbirth, more children surviving their early years, and longer, healthier lifespans, decade after decade,” it said.

Also watch: World population to reach 8 billion this year; India to replace China as most populated: UN

The world added a billion people in the last 12 years and India was the largest contributor to the milestone, having added 177 million people, the United Nations said.