UNFPA Report: India's Population to Reach 144 Crore, Leading the World
India's Population Growth and Demographics
India's population is estimated to reach 144 crore, positioning the country as the most populous nation globally, according to a recent report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The report, titled "Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Disparities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights," highlights significant demographic trends and health-related statistics in India. The estimated population growth comes with a diverse age distribution, with approximately 24% of the population in the 0-14 age group.
 |
| According to UNFPA report, India is the top country in the world with an estimated |
Projected Population Growth and Doubling Time
The UNFPA report projects that India's population will double in the next 77 years, indicating a rapid rate of growth. This projection underscores the need for careful planning in areas such as education, health, and infrastructure to accommodate the expanding population. India's growth rate places it ahead of China, which has an estimated population of 142.5 crore. During India's last census in 2011, the population was recorded at 121 crore, illustrating a significant increase over the past decade.
Population Distribution by Age Group
The report provides a detailed breakdown of India's population distribution by age group:
- The 0-14 age group comprises 24% of the total population.
- The 10-19 age group accounts for 17%.
- The 10-24 age group represents 26%.
- The 15-64 age group makes up 68% of the population.
- The 65+ age group constitutes 7%.
These statistics offer insights into India's demographic structure, suggesting a relatively young population with a large proportion in the working-age group. This demographic advantage can contribute to economic growth if harnessed effectively through education, employment, and skill development.
Key Health and Social Challenges
Despite India's demographic advantages, the report also identifies key health and social challenges:
- Child marriage: The report states that between 2006 and 2023, 23% of marriages in India involved child marriage.
- Maternal mortality: Although maternal deaths have significantly declined, India still accounts for 8% of all maternal deaths worldwide. The report reveals that recent research in 640 districts shows that about one-third have achieved the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing the maternal mortality ratio to 70 per 100,000 live births, while 114 districts still have a ratio of 210 or more.
- Reproductive health disparities: The report highlights that women and girls with disabilities, migrants and refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV, and disadvantaged castes face greater sexual and reproductive health risks and unequal access to health care services.
These issues underscore the importance of targeted interventions and inclusive policies to address disparities in sexual and reproductive health and rights, while also promoting gender equality and social justice.
Conclusion
India's population growth, as reported by the UNFPA, represents a significant demographic milestone with implications for the country's future development. The detailed demographic breakdown and associated health statistics highlight the need for comprehensive policies to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by India's growing population. With a focus on education, health, and social inclusion, India can harness its demographic advantage to foster sustainable growth and development.
