India has already surpassed China to earn the title of ‘the most populous country in the world.’ According to a recent report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India’s population is projected to reach 1.46 billion by the end of 2025.
After the census in India was halted in 2011, the United Nations reported in 2023 that India had surpassed China to claim the top position. At that time, it was reported that the population of India was slightly over 1.42 billion. Recent reports indicate that among the total population this year, 24 percent are aged 0-14 years, 17 percent are aged 10-19 years, and 26 percent are aged 10-24 years.
However, the report titled ‘State of World Population 2025’ (SWP) indicates a decrease in the overall population growth rate in India. The chapter titled ‘The Real Fertility Crisis’ forecasts a reduction in fertility rates. It is noted that the birth rate is declining. On average, Indian women are giving birth to fewer children than necessary to maintain the overall population size from one generation to the next, as stated in the report.
It is noteworthy that this trend is not limited to India; the United Nations reported in 2022 that it is a global phenomenon. It was stated that it took 12 years for the world’s population to rise from 7 billion to 8 billion. However, reaching from 8 billion to 9 billion will take approximately 14 and a half years. This is due to the decline in birth rates worldwide. By the year 2080, the global population is expected to peak, exceeding 10 billion.
