India is set to become the world’s most populous nation, overtaking China by the middle of this year, according to a report by the United Nations. The report estimates that India’s population will be over 1.4 billion people, while China’s will be just under this figure. The United States is a distant third with an estimated population of 340 million. However, due to uncertainty surrounding data from both countries, the UN is unable to give a specific date for when this change will happen.
India’s last census was conducted in 2011 and their upcoming 2021 census has been delayed due to the pandemic, making it difficult to predict population growth accurately. In contrast, China’s population has been slowing down, and it has even declined for the first time in six decades. This decline is expected to continue for a prolonged period, which could have significant implications for the country’s economy and the rest of the world.
India’s population has been growing at an average rate of 1.2% annually since 2011, compared to 1.7% in the previous decade. Despite this growth, there are concerns about the strain on resources and infrastructure that such a large population could have, especially given the challenges posed by climate change.
Overall, India and China are projected to make up more than one-third of the world’s population, underscoring the importance of addressing issues related to population growth and sustainability.
