India’s fertility rate falls below replacement level: Why it matters
Summary
India’s fertility rate has fallen to 1.9 children per woman, which is below the 2.1 level needed to keep the population stable. This decline may lead to a shrinking population in the future, creating challenges like fewer workers and an aging society.Key Facts
- India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropped from about 3.3 children per woman in the 2000s to 1.9 in 2024.
- A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level to keep the population size steady.
- India became the world’s most populous country in 2023, surpassing China.
- Reasons for falling fertility include better access to education, contraceptives, and higher costs of raising children.
- Infant mortality rates in India have declined from 30 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019 to 24 in 2024.
- States with lower education and higher infant deaths, like Bihar, have higher fertility rates (2.9).
- More educated regions such as New Delhi have lower fertility rates (1.2 children per woman).
- Declining fertility could result in a smaller workforce and increased pressure on social support systems in the future.
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