India’s Population Projected to Peak This Century, Then Decline

A new report by the United Nations suggests a significant demographic shift on the horizon. India’s population is expected to reach a peak of 1.7 billion sometime in the 2060s, before entering a period of decline. This trend contrasts sharply with China and Japan, whose populations are anticipated to shrink considerably in the coming decades.

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The UN report, titled “World Population Prospects 2024”, predicts that India’s current population of 1.45 billion will rise to 1.69 billion by 2054. However, after reaching its peak in the 2060s, the population is projected to decline by 12%.

This demographic shift is attributed to several factors, including declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy. As India develops economically and socially, couples are choosing to have fewer children. At the same time, improvements in healthcare are leading to longer lifespans.

Meanwhile, China and Japan, both facing lower birth rates and aging populations, are expected to see significant population decline. This trend is likely to propel India to the position of the world’s most populous country by the middle of this century, a title it is projected to hold for the remainder of the 21st century.

The UN report’s findings have significant implications for policymakers in India. A growing and youthful population can provide a workforce dividend, but it also presents challenges in areas like education, job creation, and resource management. On the other hand, a declining population in the later part of the century may necessitate adjustments to social security systems and healthcare services.