India overtakes China to become the world's most populous country

Tags: Reports

India has overtaken China as the world's most populous country, according to United Nations data released on April 19.

An overview of the news

• According to UN data India's population is 142.86 crore while China's population is 142.57 crores.

• According to a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 25 per cent of India's population is between the age group of 0-14 years.

• The population between the age group of 10-19 years is 18 percent

• The population in the age group of 10-24 years is 26 percent.

• The population in the age group of 15-64 years is 68 percent and the population above 65 years is 7 percent.

• According to experts, the demographics of India differ from state to state.

• Kerala and Punjab have a large elderly population, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have a large youth population.

• According to several studies conducted by various agencies, India's population is expected to grow for about three decades before reaching a peak of 165 crores. After that it will start declining.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

• A subsidiary organ of the UN General Assembly and works as a sexual and reproductive health agency.

• Established - in 1967.

• In 1987, it was officially renamed the United Nations Population Fund.

• The original abbreviation, ‘UNFPA’ for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities was retained.

• Report - State of World Population Report.