APD | India’s population grew faster than China’s

By APD writer Rishika Chauhan

New Delhi, April 10 (APD) -- According to the recently released United Nations Population Fund’s ‘State of the World Population’ report, between 2010 and 2019 India’s population grew at 1.2% a  year while that of China grew by 0.5%.

The report was released on Wednesday and further stated that India’s population growth was marginally higher than the global average of 1.1% a year. This year marks 50 year of UNFPA.

Meanwhile, world’s population increased from 7.633 billion in 2018 to 7.715 billion in 2019, and the average life expectancy remained 72 years. 

Africa, considered as a high fertility continent registered an increase in its population by 2.7%. 

This report also states that till 2050 population increase would only take place in high fertility zones like Africa and India. 

Speaking about India, Klaus Beck, officer-in-charge, UNFPA India said, “India must prepare for its growing ageing population by understanding the dynamics and riding its demographic dividend by making sure young people are well educated, healthy and contribute to society to help grow the economy and look after elderly going forward.” 

He added, “Employment for young people is critical, as is developing public policies for the elderly on pension, services and support, and customised safety nets. You have to start thinking now. India still has time to prepare and learn from what other countries have done well and how it can be customised for India.”

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)