While the world is inundated with problems of population explosion, a state in Germany is facing a sudden rise in the population of pigs. The population of pigs has reportedly overshot the number of people residing in the state of Lower Saxony, the pig capital of pork-loving Germany.

For the first time in a span of 20 years, the number of swine hit 8.02 million in 2006, as good prices led to increased herd numbers, the state farmers' association said Thursday.

According to AP reports, the state's population however fell to 7.996 million, after peaking over the 8 million mark in 2004.

Earlier in 1987, the same situation arose in Lower Saxony, which traditionally has the largest herds in the country. At that time, the number of pigs stood at 7.56 million to 7.16 human residents.