State of the World Population 2025 Report
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Population Issues
Source: UNFPA
Context: India’s population has reached 146.39 crore in April 2025 as per the UNFPA’s “State of the World Population 2025” report, with Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropping to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1.
Key Highlights of UNFPA State of the World Population 2025:
• Global Population Trends: World population stands at 8.2 billion; growth has slowed but disparities remain between high-income and low-income countries.
• Fertility Crisis Redefined: The real crisis is unmet fertility goals—not just overpopulation or underpopulation, but denial of reproductive choice.
• Reproductive Agency: Emphasis on individual rights to decide freely on reproduction, contraception, and timing of childbirth.
• Demographic Dividend: Over 60% of the world’s population is in the 15–64 age group, offering a productivity window.
• Ageing Population Concern: Global elderly population (65+) is growing rapidly, requiring focused health and pension reforms.
• Youth Bulge in LMICs: Low- and middle-income countries (like India, Nigeria) have large youth populations with untapped potential.
• Gender & Fertility Gaps: Women’s education and autonomy significantly influence fertility patterns and gaps persist in access to healthcare & contraception.
What is Fertility and Its Features?
• Definition: Fertility refers to the actual number of children born to a woman during her reproductive years (15–49 years).
• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Measures average births per woman and 2.1 is considered the replacement level.
• Determinants: Influenced by education, health access, family planning services, cultural norms, and economic conditions.
Global Issues Surrounding Fertility:
• Falling Fertility in Developed Countries: Countries like Japan, Italy, and South Korea face declining TFRs, below 1.5, triggering ageing concerns.
• High Fertility in Fragile States: Sub-Saharan Africa has TFRs above 4, stressing healthcare, education, and resources.
• Reproductive Inequality: Millions lack access to contraception, maternal care, and autonomy in reproductive choices.
India’s Status as per the 2025 Report:
• Population Size: India leads with 146.39 crore, expected to peak at 170 crores in 40 years before stabilizing.
• TFR Status: Current TFR is 1.9, below replacement level, indicating a demographic transition.
• Demographic Composition:
• Youth (0–14): 24%
• Teens (10–19): 17%
• Working age (15–64): 68%
• Elderly (65+): 7%
• Life Expectancy (2025): Men – 71 years; Women – 74 years.
• Unrealized Fertility: A section of the population cannot achieve desired fertility goals due to poor access to services.
Way Ahead:
• Census Completion (2027): A fresh census is vital to revise socio-economic and fertility-related policies.
• Strengthen Reproductive Health: Enhance access to family planning, maternal care, and education for women.
• Elderly & Youth Policy Balance: Craft policies that balance between ageing population welfare and youth skill development.
Conclusion:
India stands at a pivotal moment demographically. With a TFR below replacement level and a large working-age population, the focus must shift from mere numbers to ensuring quality of life, reproductive rights, and preparedness for the demographic future.
• Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC-2021)