UNFPA Global Population Report 2025

Worldwide Demographics: Essential Information

The worldwide fertility rate fell from approximately 5 in 1960 to 3.3 in 1990 and 2.2 in 2024, although notable regional differences are present.

Over half of the countries in the world, representing more than two-thirds of the global population, have a fertility rate under 2.1 births per woman.

Demographics of India: Important Points

In 2025, India continues to be the most populous country globally, boasting 1.46 billion individuals.

India's total fertility rate (TFR) has decreased to 1.9, falling below the replacement threshold of 2.1. The UN report aligns with the results of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), indicating that India’s fertility rate was 2.0 in 2022.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of India’s population falls within the 15-64 years age range, representing the working age and emphasizing its significant potential demographic advantage. Individuals older than 65 constitute merely 7%.

India is situated among middle-income nations experiencing swift demographic transformation, with the time for its population to double currently projected at 79 years.

The UN report indicates that millions of individuals cannot achieve their genuine fertility aspirations. Referred to as the “true” crisis rather than overpopulation or underpopulation, this emphasizes the importance of seeking reproductive agency, which involves an individual’s capacity to make autonomous and knowledgeable decisions regarding sex, contraception, and family planning.

The Genuine Fertility Crisis in India

Unfulfilled reproductive goals: More than 36% of participants (one in three adult Indians) indicated experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Almost a third (30%) have faced challenges related to an unmet wish for children. The report indicates that 23% of surveyed Indians have undergone both.

Negative factors for reduced fertility: The most frequently mentioned reasons for having fewer children were financial, including economic instability and joblessness, insufficient housing, and restricted access to quality childcare.

Absence of autonomy & imbalanced relationship dynamics: Family impact remains crucial in women's choices regarding childbearing (reproductive autonomy). Women indicate that partners desire a smaller number of children and are not helping with household or childcare responsibilities.

Absence of workplace policies: For numerous women in the informal sector and specific private sectors, the absence of supportive workplace policies like paid parental leave, flexible hours, and childcare options hinders their ability to reconcile careers with family responsibilities. There is also the concern of professional hindrances or bias as a result of pregnancy.

Healthcare shortcomings: In India, infertility continues to bear stigma. Even with progress in healthcare, numerous women continue to encounter obstacles in obtaining maternal care and reproductive health information. For couples facing infertility, the choices are frequently restricted, costly, or inadequately controlled. Private entities largely control treatments, and the significant costs, along with limited insurance support, render the experience unaffordable for the majority.

Reproductive autonomy is additionally limited by the prevalent dependence on sterilization. India requires a rights-focused strategy to promote access to reversible, modern contraceptive methods, broaden access to sexual and reproductive health services, including infertility treatment, and foster societal change to combat stigma.

This is necessary to progress towards a framework of demographic resilience and a future grounded in dignity, equity, and reproductive freedom.