Most Populous Country In The World Latest Updates: As of the latest available data, India has emerged as the most populous country in the world, surpassing China. With a population of approximately 142.86 crore, India has surpassed China’s population by nearly 29,56311 lakh to become the world’s most populated country.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
Most Populous Country In The World
India has the world’s largest youth population, with over 908 million people under the age of 35. This accounts for 66% of India’s overall population. With nearly 255 million people aged 15 to 24, India has the world’s largest youth population. This large youth population presents both challenges and opportunities for India. On the one hand, it means that India has a large and growing workforce. This could be a major asset for the country’s economic development. On the other side, it implies that India would be required to offer education, healthcare, and other amenities to a big number of young people. This can be difficult, particularly considering India’s limited resources.
Population Statistics and Data Collection Methods
- Population statistics encompass various demographic data, including the count of individuals residing in a country or region, the number of births and deaths, as well as estimations of life expectancy and population growth trends.
- This information is frequently gathered through regular population censuses, with the 1st of January serving as a common reference point.
- Additionally, population registers are increasingly being utilized as an alternative source to gather such valuable demographic insights.
Most Populous Country In The World List
| Rank | Country | Population | World Share (In %) |
| 1 | India | 1,428,627,663 | 17.76 |
| 2 | China | 1,425,671,352 | 17.72 |
| 3 | United States | 339,996,563 | 4.23 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 277,534,122 | 3.45 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 240,485,658 | 2.99 |
| 6 | Nigeria | 223,804,632 | 2.78 |
| 7 | Brazil | 216,422,446 | 2.69 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 172,954,319 | 2.15 |
| 9 | Russia | 144,444,359 | 1.80 |
| 10 | Mexico | 128,455,567 | 1.60 |
Causes of India’s High Population
- Historical population trends: Throughout history, India has maintained a consistently high population, particularly in its fertile northern plains. This region’s favorable climate allows for the cultivation of both wheat and rice, providing abundant food compared to many other parts of the world.
- Poverty and illiteracy: Impoverished families often believe that a larger family translates to more earning members. Some view having more children as a way to ensure support in old age. The prevalence of poverty and illiteracy also affect family planning decisions.
- Age-old cultural norms: Traditional beliefs in India prioritize sons as the primary breadwinners for families. This long-held idea, known as “Son Meta preference,” places tremendous pressure on parents to continue having children until a male child or the desired number of male children are born.
- Illegal migration: Notably, illegal migration from neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal has contributed to increased population density in India.
- Lack of awareness about family planning: Limited knowledge and awareness about family planning methods and their benefits, as well as government schemes related to family welfare and access to free birth control measures, have resulted in unwanted pregnancies and ultimately contributed to population growth.
Population control measures that can be implemented
- Raising the Minimum Age of Marriage: Since fertility is linked to the age of marriage, it is essential to increase the minimum age for marriage. The legal marriage age in India is presently 21 years for men and 18 years for women. To guarantee compliance, strict enforcement of this rule and public awareness programmes are required.
- Promoting Education: Widespread education can positively influence people’s perspectives. Educated individuals tend to make informed decisions, delaying marriage and embracing smaller family norms. Women who are educated prioritise their health and choose fewer pregnancies, resulting in lower birth rates.
- Adoption: Encouraging adoption is an effective means of population control. Couples who are unable to have biological children despite medical interventions should be encouraged to adopt orphaned children, benefiting both the orphans and the adopting parents.
- Urbanization: Promoting urbanization can contribute to reduced population growth. Studies indicate that urban areas generally experience lower birth rates compared to rural areas, making urbanization a potential solution.
- Strict Birth Control Measures: Although China’s strategy may not be appropriate for India, numerous government-funded organisations, such as the Family Planning Association of India, can actively promote family planning as a basic human right. Encouraging a two-child norm voluntarily can help reduce birth rates.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India: Mritunjay Kumar Narayan