Context:
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) released the World Population Prospects
Key Findings:
- Global population reached nearly 8.2 billion by mid-2024 and is expected to peak at around 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s.
- Average age of the population of the world is also increasing.
- By the late 2070s, the number of persons 65 years or older is projected to surpass the number of persons under 18.
- World’s overall fertility rates are dropping, with women having one child fewer on average than they did around 1990.
- While the slow growth or decline of populations is occurring mainly in high-income countries, rapid population growth will occur in low-income and lower-middle-income countries.
- For example, in countries like Angola, Niger, and Somalia, very rapid growth is projected, with their total population doubling between 2024 and 2054.
- Reproductive health – In 2024, 4.7 million babies, or about 3.5 per cent of the total worldwide, were born to mothers under the age of 18.
- Particularly in low-income countries, early pregnancies remain a challenge, resulting in serious consequences for the health and well-being of both the young mothers and their children.
Source: UN
Previous Year Question
India is regarded as a country with a “Demographic Dividend”. This is due to:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) Its high population in the age group below 15 years
(b) Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years
(c) Its high population in the age group above 65 years
(d) Its high total population
Answer: (b)
