According to recent data released by the United Nations’ Population Division, India has overtaken China to become the world’s most populous country. The latest estimates reveal that India’s population stands at 1,425,775,850, surpassing China’s population of 1.425 billion inhabitants. This represents a substantial shift in global demographics.
Both India and China have experienced a slowdown in population growth, although India’s growth rate remains higher than China’s. However, India’s population growth rate has been declining, reaching its lowest level since 1960 at 0.61 percent in 2023. In contrast, China’s population growth rate has also been decreasing after peaking at 1.426 billion inhabitants in 2022.
It is noteworthy that India has achieved this population milestone despite its considerably smaller land area. While India covers an area of 3.287 million square kilometers, China spans a vast 9.597 million square kilometers. In terms of total area, India ranks seventh globally, whereas China is the largest country in Asia and the third largest in the world.
The narrowing population gap between India and China is primarily due to India’s higher population growth rate. This can be attributed to a significant number of women entering their reproductive years in India. Furthermore, India contributes a substantial portion to the global working-age population growth, accounting for 23% of the growth between 2020 and 2025.
India’s new status as the world’s most populous country carries wide-ranging implications for various sectors, including social, economic, and environmental factors. With a large youth population, India faces challenges in providing adequate education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Additionally, the country’s infrastructure, resources, and environmental sustainability are under pressure due to the growing population.
This milestone also highlights India’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country welcomed approximately seven million tourists from around the world. India boasts renowned attractions like the Taj Mahal and the Amber Palace, drawing visitors from far and wide.
The shifting global population dynamics have significant ramifications for India, China, and the global community as a whole. This emphasizes the need for effective population management strategies, sustainable development practices, and investments in social and economic infrastructure to ensure a prosperous future for the world’s most populous nation.
