India becomes world’s most populous nation

India is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country in 2023, with over 1.4 billion people. Its youthful workforce could make it the third largest global economy in 2028


Uttar Pradesh 
241 million people

New Delhi

500km 310 miles


India one of eight countries likely to be responsible for over 50% of projected global population increase

2.0 billion

1.0

0.5 
	1970 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070

2022 
China 1.426bn 
India 1.417bn

2050
India
1.67bn

China
1.31bn

Projection 95% interval


YOUNG WORKFORCE

China’s demographic decline – and geopolitical tensions – could enable India to take its place as “world’s factory”

China has ageing population over 50

27.3% of Indian population aged 15-29

India
China

Years old
90
80
70 
60 
50 
40 
30 
20 
10
MEN	10 8 6 4 2 Millions 2 4 6 8 10 WOMEN 


Sources: UN, Reuters
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