19-04-2023
India's population is estimated to reach 1.4286 billion, surpassing China's 1.4257 billion, which could be making it the world's most populous country.
The United States is a distant third, with an estimated population of 340 million.
India's last census was conducted in 2011, and the next one was scheduled for 2021, but it has been delayed due to the pandemic.
The latest report from the United Nations Population Fund did not specify a date for when India will surpass China, citing uncertainty about the data from both countries.
Despite being the two most populous countries, their population growth has been slowing down, with China experiencing a historic decline in its citizen numbers.
India's annual population growth has averaged 1.2% since 2011, compared to 1.7% in the previous 10 years.
The UNFPA representative for India, Andrea Wojnar, emphasized the importance of upholding individual rights and choices when considering population growth and urged against anxiety and alarm in response to the increasing population numbers.