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India's Population Set to Peak Below 2 Billion
1 Dec
Summary
- India's total fertility rate has dropped to 1.9, below the replacement level.
- Population is projected to stabilize around 1.8 to 1.9 billion by 2080.
- Rising life expectancy presents new challenges for elderly care.
India is experiencing a rapid demographic shift, with its total fertility rate (TFR) falling to 1.9, below the replacement level. Projections indicate the country's population will stabilize around 1.8 to 1.9 billion by 2080. This decline in birth rates is largely attributed to rising development and education levels, particularly among women, alongside increased use of contraceptives.
Factors such as later marriages, growing career opportunities for women, and greater awareness of reproductive choices contribute to the decreasing TFR. While educated populations exhibit TFRs between 1.5 and 1.8, some less educated groups still have higher rates. States like Kerala and West Bengal show TFRs significantly below the replacement level.
Concurrently, life expectancy is increasing due to healthcare advancements. This demographic transition presents challenges, especially concerning the care of an aging population, prompting discussions on solutions like elderly day-care facilities.
