New data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) shows that India has surpassed China as the world’s most populous country. The report states that China’s population is currently 1.4257 billion, while India’s population stands at 1.366 billion.
The report also provides information on the age demographics of India’s population. 25 percent of India’s population is in the age group of 0-14 years, 18 percent in the 10 to 19 age group, 26 percent in the age bracket of 10 to 24 years, 68 percent in 15 to 64 years age group, and 7 percent above 65 years.
Despite India’s population growth, estimates suggest that the country’s population will continue to rise for the next three decades, peaking at around 1.65 billion before it begins to decline.
India’s population demographics vary from state to state, with some states having an ageing population and others having a young population. Kerala and Punjab have an ageing population, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have a young population.
According to Andrea Wojnar, the representative for UNFPA India, India’s large population is not a burden, but an opportunity. With 254 million youth aged between 15 and 24 years, India’s young population can be a source of innovation, new thinking, and lasting solutions.
However, Wojnar stressed the importance of ensuring gender equality, empowerment, and bodily autonomy for women and girls in order to unlock India’s potential. She stated that women and girls should be at the centre of sexual and reproductive policies and programmes, and that individual rights and choices should be respected.
“When rights, choices and equal value of all people are truly respected and held, only then can we unlock a future of infinite possibilities,” Wojnar added.
Overall, the UNFPA report highlights the need for India to invest in its young population while also prioritizing gender equality and women’s empowerment in order to ensure a sustainable future for the country.