In 2025, India is projected to become the world’s most populous country with an estimated population of 1.46 billion, surpassing China. According to the latest State of World Population 2025 Report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India’s population is expected to peak at around 1.7 billion by the early 2060s before beginning a gradual decline.
Fertility Rate Falls Below Replacement Level
The UNFPA report, titled “The Real Fertility Crisis,” emphasizes a notable demographic shift India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9 births per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. This means that Indian women are, on average, having fewer children than needed to maintain the population size in the absence of migration.
Key Findings From UNFPA Report
The report urges global leaders to avoid panic over declining fertility rates and instead focus on empowering individuals to achieve their reproductive goals. It suggests that policy attention should shift toward supporting reproductive rights, access to healthcare, and informed family planning.
India's Demographic Outlook
Population Peak: Around 2064, India’s population is forecasted to reach its highest point—1.7 billion—and then enter a phase of slow decline.
Current Population: As of now, India’s population stands at approximately 1.4639 billion.
Age-Wise Population Distribution
India’s current demographic profile highlights a potentially advantageous situation:
Children (0–14 years): 24%
Adolescents (10–19 years): 17%
Youth (10–24 years): 26%
Working-age population (15–64 years): 68%
This large share of working-age individuals offers India a chance to harness a demographic dividend, provided there are investments in education, skill-building, and employment opportunities.
Rise In Elderly Population
With increasing life expectancy 71 years for men and 74 years for women India’s elderly population (65+) currently forms 7% of the total population, and this number is set to grow steadily.
Historical Shift In Fertility Patterns
In the 1960s, Indian women had, on average, six children, and the population was about 436 million. Most women lacked access to education, reproductive health services, and decision-making power. Over the decades, these factors have changed significantly:
Greater female education
Improved reproductive health services
Increased autonomy in family planning
Today, Indian women typically have around two children, reflecting substantial progress in reproductive choices and healthcare access.
Challenges And Inequalities Persist
Despite notable improvements, many Indian women still face challenges in making independent reproductive decisions. Socioeconomic and regional disparities continue to influence access to family planning and healthcare services.
UNFPA’s Message Of Opportunity
Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA's India Representative, praised India’s strides in lowering fertility and reducing maternal deaths. However, she emphasized that true progress lies in ensuring reproductive autonomy for all, regardless of background. She stated that India has a remarkable opportunity to demonstrate how population policies rooted in choice and rights can also foster economic growth and social equity.
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