π The number of bee colonies in the world is increasing significantly
- Globally, the number of bee colonies has increased by 47 percent since 1990, from 69.2 million to 101.6 million colonies in 2021.
- In Europe, there are now 25.1 million bee colonies, an increase from 22.5 million in 1990.
- Asia leads the development with 45.3 million bee colonies, representing an increase of 95.7 percent since 1990.
Global rise in bee colonies
The global development of bee colonies shows a clear upward trend. Data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, shows that the number of bee colonies in the world has increased from 69.2 million in 1990 to 101.6 million in 2021. There was initially a decrease during the 90s, but in the 2000s it has turned upward. Bees play an important role in pollination within agriculture, fruit growing and horticulture, in addition to honey production.
Asia dominates growth
Asia accounts for the largest share of bee colonies with 45.3 million colonies in 2021. The region has almost doubled its numbers since 1990, with an increase of 95.7 percent. Particularly noteworthy is the development in West Asia and Southeast Asia, where the number of colonies has increased by over 200 percent.
Strong development in Africa
Africa also shows positive development with 18.2 million colonies in 2021, an increase of 38.4 percent since 1990. East Africa leads the region's growth with 12.1 million colonies, followed by significant increases in West and Central Africa.
Europe recovers
Europe has recovered from the decline at the turn of the millennium. The number of bee colonies has increased to 25.1 million, which is higher than the 1990 level of 22.5 million. Southern Europe in particular has shown strong growth with an increase of 124.1 percent, while Northern Europe has more than quadrupled its number of colonies.
Americas and Oceania grow
The Americas have increased their number of colonies by 19.8 percent since 1990, with particularly strong growth in South America showing an increase of 72.7 percent. Oceania has almost doubled its number of colonies with an increase of 89.8 percent.
