Friday May 26, 2023
India has overtaken China to become the world's most populous country, according to the latest figures from the United Nations Population Division.
With an estimated population of more than 1.425 billion people, India now officially holds the record for population. India surprisingly achieved this feat despite being almost three times smaller than China in terms of land area. China, which has held the population record since the 1950s, peaked at 1.426 billion in 2022 before declining.
United Nations data suggests that India's population growth rate has slowed but still remains higher than China's. However, both countries experienced a decline in the birth rate. In 2023, India's population growth rate is 0.61 percent, the smallest increase since 1960. This is significantly lower than the population growth rates of other countries such as Bangladesh, Morocco, and Colombia.
Despite the slowdown, India still has a significant number of women entering reproductive age, contributing to its population growth. In fact, India is the largest contributor to global working-age population growth, accounting for 23% of growth between 2020 and 2025.
Demographically, India has a significant percentage of its population in various age groups. According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund, 25 percent of India's population is children aged 0-14, while 68 percent falls in the 15-64 age category. In contrast, China has a lower percentage of its population in younger age groups.
Population growth in India has implications beyond demographics. The country attracts a significant number of tourists and millions of people from all over the world visit famous attractions such as the Taj Mahal and the Amber Palace. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on tourist numbers, leading to a decline compared to previous years.
India's newly acquired status as the world's most populous country highlights the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The government will need to address issues such as healthcare, infrastructure and resource management to ensure sustainable development and a high quality of life for its growing population.
In summary, India's population has surpassed that of China, making it the most populous country in the world. Despite the country's smaller size, India's population growth rate, although slowing, remains higher than that of China. This shift in population dynamics presents both opportunities and challenges for India as it moves towards sustainable development.
