India's Population to Peak at 1.7 Billion by 2060s, Fertility Rate Drops Below Replacement Level
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Population (2025) | 1.46 billion, making India the most populous country globally. |
| Peak Population | Expected to reach 1.7 billion in the early 2060s, then decline. |
| Total Fertility Rate (TFR) | Dropped to 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. |
| UNFPA Report (2025) | Titled "The Real Fertility Crisis", emphasizes meeting family goals. |
| Population Structure | - 24% aged 0-14<br>- 17% aged 10-19<br>- 26% aged 10-24<br>- 68% working age (15-64). |
| Elderly Population | 7% aged 65+, expected to rise with increasing life expectancy. |
| Life Expectancy (2025) | Men: 71 years, Women: 74 years. |
| Historical Fertility Rate | In 1960, TFR was nearly 6 births per woman; now reduced to 2. |
| Progress in Women's Rights | Increased education, reproductive healthcare, and decision-making power. |
| Challenges | Disparities in reproductive rights persist across socio-economic groups. |