India is a country located in South Asia with a rich history and diverse culture. It is the second most populous country in the world, with a population of over 1.3 billion people. The population of India has been steadily increasing over the years, with an annual growth rate of approximately 1.2%.
The population of India is spread out across its 28 states and 8 union territories, with the majority of the population residing in the northern and western regions of the country. The most populous state in India is Uttar Pradesh, with a population of over 200 million people. The capital city of India, New Delhi, is also one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 30 million people in its metropolitan area.
Current Population of India
India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a current population of over 1.38 billion people. It is estimated that India will surpass China as the most populous country by 2027.
The population of India has been steadily increasing over the years, with an annual growth rate of approximately 1.2%. The country's population is expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030.
The following table shows the population of India broken down by age group as of 2021:
| Age Group | Population |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | 109,861,707 |
| 5-9 | 110,929,742 |
| 10-14 | 111,051,368 |
| 15-19 | 111,299,783 |
| 20-24 | 113,283,595 |
| 25-29 | 116,861,690 |
| 30-34 | 113,845,156 |
| 35-39 | 103,038,919 |
| 40-44 | 91,804,547 |
| 45-49 | 81,705,063 |
| 50-54 | 68,912,833 |
| 55-59 | 56,588,348 |
| 60-64 | 43,511,774 |
| 65-69 | 31,736,342 |
| 70-74 | 20,726,321 |
| 75-79 | 12,771,518 |
| 80+ | 9,908,187 |
India's population is diverse, with over 2,000 ethnic groups and more than 1,600 languages spoken. The majority of the population (approximately 79.8%) identifies as Hindu, while Muslims make up approximately 14.2% of the population. Other religions practiced in India include Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Despite the country's large population, India's population density is relatively low, with an average of 464 people per square kilometre. However, population density varies greatly across the country, with some areas being much more densely populated than others.
Historical Population Growth
India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a population of over 1.3 billion people as of 2021. The population of India has been growing steadily over the years, with some fluctuations due to various factors.
In the early 1900s, the population of India was around 238 million. By 1950, the population had increased to 361 million. The population growth rate increased significantly in the 1960s and 1970s due to improvements in healthcare and sanitation, as well as the Green Revolution, which led to increased agricultural productivity.
Between 1975 and 1985, the population growth rate began to slow down due to the implementation of the National Family Planning Programme. However, the population of India continued to grow, reaching 1 billion in 1999.
The following table shows the population of India over the years:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1901 | 238 million |
| 1950 | 361 million |
| 1960 | 449 million |
| 1970 | 553 million |
| 1980 | 683 million |
| 1990 | 846 million |
| 2000 | 1.01 billion |
| 2010 | 1.21 billion |
| 2020 | 1.36 billion |
It is important to note that the population growth rate of India has been declining in recent years. The annual growth rate was 1.2% in 2011, which decreased to 0.99% in 2020. This can be attributed to various factors such as increased awareness about family planning, education, and women empowerment.
Overall, the historical population growth of India has been significant, and the country continues to face challenges related to population control and management.
Demographic Breakdown
Age Distribution
India has a young population, with a median age of 28 years. According to the 2011 Census, the age distribution of the population was as follows:
- 0-6 years: 13.1%
- 7-17 years: 16.5%
- 18-60 years: 63.5%
- 60+ years: 6.9%
The proportion of the population in the 0-6 years age group has decreased slightly from the 2001 Census. This is due to a decline in the fertility rate and an increase in the use of contraception.
Gender Ratio
The gender ratio in India is skewed towards males. According to the 2011 Census, there were 943 females for every 1000 males. This is an improvement from the 2001 Census, which recorded a ratio of 933 females for every 1000 males.
The gender ratio varies across states in India. Some states have a more balanced gender ratio, while others have a more skewed ratio. The states with the lowest gender ratio are Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian government has taken several measures to address the issue of gender imbalance, including the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) campaign and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (Girl Child Prosperity Scheme). However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality in India.
Population Density and Distribution
India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a population of over 1.3 billion people. The country's population density is 464 people per square kilometre, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
The population of India is not evenly distributed across the country. The northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are the most populous, with over 200 million people between them. In contrast, the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland have the lowest population densities in the country.
The table below shows the population density of each Indian state and union territory:
| State/UT | Population Density (per sq. km) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 11,297 |
| Bihar | 1,106 |
| West Bengal | 1,029 |
| Kerala | 859 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 828 |
| Maharashtra | 365 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 17 |
| Mizoram | 52 |
| Nagaland | 119 |
As shown in the table, Delhi has the highest population density in India, with over 11,000 people per square kilometre. This is due to the city's status as the capital of India and its growing urbanisation.
Overall, the population density and distribution of India is an important factor in the country's development and planning. The government must carefully consider the needs of the different regions and communities to ensure that resources are distributed fairly and efficiently.
Urban vs Rural Population
India is a country of stark contrasts, and the divide between urban and rural populations is one of the most significant. According to the latest estimates, India has a total population of 1.366 billion people, making it the second-most populous country in the world after China.
As of 2021, the urban population of India was estimated to be around 34%, with the remaining 66% living in rural areas. This means that more than two-thirds of India's population still lives in rural areas, where agriculture is the primary source of income.
The urban population of India is concentrated in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata. These cities are home to millions of people and are the centres of commerce, industry, and culture. The urban population is growing rapidly, with more and more people moving to cities in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living.
On the other hand, the rural population of India is spread across thousands of villages and small towns. These areas are often remote and lack basic amenities like electricity, clean water, and healthcare. Agriculture is the primary source of income for most rural households, and farmers often struggle to make ends meet due to unpredictable weather conditions and low crop yields.
In conclusion, the urban-rural divide in India is significant, with more than two-thirds of the population still living in rural areas. While urban areas offer better job opportunities and a higher standard of living, rural areas are struggling with poverty, lack of basic amenities, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Projections for the Future
India's population is expected to continue growing in the coming decades. The United Nations predicts that India will overtake China as the world's most populous country by 2027. By 2050, India's population is projected to reach 1.64 billion, which would make it the most populous country in the world by a significant margin.
India's population growth rate has been declining in recent years, but it is still expected to add over 200 million people to its population by 2050. This growth will put significant pressure on India's infrastructure, resources, and economy. However, it is worth noting that population growth rates tend to decline as countries develop economically and socially.
The ageing of India's population is another important trend to consider. By 2050, India is projected to have over 300 million people aged 60 or over. This will have important implications for healthcare, pensions, and other social services. It also means that India will have a smaller proportion of working-age people, which could slow down economic growth.
Overall, India's population is expected to continue growing for the foreseeable future, albeit at a slower rate than in the past. This growth will bring both opportunities and challenges for the country, and it will be important for policymakers to manage it carefully.
Implications of Population Growth
Economic Impact
India's population growth has both positive and negative economic implications. On the positive side, a larger population can mean a larger workforce and a larger consumer base, which can lead to increased economic growth. However, a rapidly growing population can also put a strain on resources, leading to higher prices for goods and services. Additionally, a large population can lead to increased competition for jobs, which can lead to lower wages for workers.
Environmental Impact
India's rapidly growing population has had a significant impact on the environment. As more people are born, there is a greater demand for resources such as water, food, and energy. This has led to increased pressure on natural resources, which can result in deforestation, soil erosion, and other forms of environmental degradation. Additionally, a larger population can lead to increased pollution, as more people are driving cars, using energy, and producing waste.
Social Impact
The social impact of India's population growth is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, a larger population can lead to increased cultural diversity and a richer social fabric. However, a rapidly growing population can also lead to increased poverty, as more people are competing for limited resources. This can lead to social unrest and political instability. Additionally, a larger population can put a strain on social services such as healthcare and education, which can lead to a decline in the quality of these services.
In conclusion, India's population growth has both positive and negative implications for the country's economy, environment, and society. While a larger population can lead to increased economic growth and cultural diversity, it can also put a strain on resources and lead to environmental degradation and social unrest. It is important for policymakers to carefully consider the implications of population growth when making decisions about economic, environmental, and social policies.