By Charles Adingupu
Despite warnings by different international agencies to nations all over the world against the looming danger of population explosion, the State of the World Population Report 2023 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) disclosed that the population of India currently pegged at 1,428.6 million people.
Under the current population statistics, India is now 2.9 million more than that of the Republic of China.
INDIA: 1,428.6 million
India has the highest population in the world at 1428.6 million. The average fertility rate per woman is 2, which is lower than the replacement rate of 2.1. The life expectancy is 71 years for males and 74 for females. India also has a demographic advantage because 68% of the population is between 15-64 years of age, while 7% is 65 years or older.
CHINA: 1,425.7 million
Until very recently, China, the other country in the billion-people club, was the most populous country in the world. The fertility rate in China is 1.2, which means that the population is on a decline. The life expectancy is 76 years for males, and 82 for females, while 14% of the population is in the age group of 65 years and higher.
United States of America: 340 million
The United States has a fertility rate of 1.7, which is much below the replacement rate, and a life expectancy of 77 years for males and 82 for females. It has 65% of its population in the 15-64-years age group, and 18% in the age group of 65 years and above.
INDONESIA: 277.5 million
Indonesia has a fertility rate of 2.1,
which is equal to the replacement rate, and a crucial factor for population growth. The life expectancy is 69 years for males and 73 for females. It has 68% of its population in the 15-64-years-old category, and 7% in the age group of 65 years and above.
PAKISTAN: 240.5 million
Pakistan has a high fertility rate of 3.3. The average life expectancy is 65 for males and 70 for females. While it has 60% of its population in the 15-65 years age range, only 4% are 65 years or more old.
NIGERIA: 223.8 million
Nigeria has a fertility rate of 5.1. However, the life expectancy for both males and females is low at 54 years. While 54% of the population is in the age group of 15-64 years, only 3% of the population is in the age group of 65 years or higher.
BRAZIL: 216.4 million
Brazil’s fertility rate is low at 1.6, and the average life expectancy of males and females are 73 years and 79 years respectively. About 70% of the population is in the age group of 15-64 years, while 10% of the population is in the age group of 65 years or higher.
BANGLADESH; 173 million
India’s neighbor has a fertility rate of 1.9. In the country, 68% of the population is within 15-64 years of age. The average life expectancy for males is 72 years and that for females is 76 years.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION; 144.4 million
The Russian Federation has the lowest fertility rate among the top ten most populous countries at 1.5. The average life expectancy for males is 70 years and that of females is 79. It has 66% people in the 15-64 years age group and 16% people in the age group of 65 years and above.
MEXICO: 128.5 million
Mexico has a fertility rate of 1.8 and male and female life expectancy of 72 years and 78 years respectively. While 67% of the population is in the 15-64 years age group, 9% is in the age group of 65 years and above.
