India overtakes China, now world’s most populous nation
India is now the world’s “most populous” nation, data released by the United Nations has revealed.
The country with a population of 1.4286 billion has slightly overtaken China, which has 1.4257 billion people, although China’s numbers did not include Hong Kong and Macau, special administrative regions of China, and Taiwan.
According to the mid-2023 estimates by the UN’s World Population dashboard, India’s population is under 30.
The country will also be the world’s fastest-growing major economy in the coming years.
The burgeoning population would add urgency for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to create employment for the millions of people entering the workforce as the nation moves away from farm jobs.
India’s population growth has outpaced China’s since 1974.
Asia’s third-largest economy is now home to nearly a fifth of humanity — greater than the entire population of Europe or Africa, or the Americas.
“India’s story is a powerful one. It is a story of progress in education, public health, and sanitation, economic development as well as technological advancements,” said Andrea Wojnar, representative of the United Nations Population Fund.
India seized the top spot as it added about 23 million babies in 2022, while China’s population started shrinking for the first time in six decades, with about 9.56 million newborns last year.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Kano govt warns mining firms against abandoning sites without reclamation
The Kano government has warned mining companies operating in the state not to abandon mining sites without carrying out mandatory environmental reclamation measures.
Politics
Cross River PDP ratifies Bullem as chairman, endorses Wike’s coalition
PDP in Cross River has ratified Francis Bullem as its substantive chairman and endorsed the Rainbow Coalition led by Nyesom Wike.
Politics
Gov Buni’s achievements make APC’s 2027 campaign easier: Commissioner
Kaigama Umar, Yobe’s commissioner for commerce, industry and tourism, says Governor Mai Buni’s developmental achievements will shape the party’s election campaign.
Rights
LASCOPA resolves 10,720 complaints, secures N759 million redress
LASCOPA says it has secured ₦759.35 million in consumer redress and resolved 10,720 complaints in six years.
Africa
South Africa extend AACT lead as Kenya’s Muthomi tops individual standings
The defending champions returned a combined score of 309 after 36 holes on Thursday to maintain their lead in the week-long championship.
Showbiz
Shettima challenges Nigerians, other Africans to monetise creative power
According to the vice-president, Nigeria’s hosting of CANEX Weekend for the first time recognises the country’s growing influence in the creative economy.
