India
Republic of India
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.83%
Home to approximately 1.42 billion people, India is one of the three most populous countries in the world. The country extends across 3.29 million km², translating to a density of 431 people per km². Its capital is New Delhi, and official languages include English, Hindi, and Tamil, while the Indian rupee serves as the national currency.
Population
1,417,492,000
Area
3,287,263 km²
Density
431/km²
World Rank
#1
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 16.1 per thousand against deaths at 6.6 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 24.6% of residents under 15 and 7.2% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- English, Hindi, Tamil
- Currencies
- Indian rupee (₹)
- Calling Code
- +91
- Top-Level Domain
- .in
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+05:30
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,417,492,000
- Land Area
- 3,287,263 km²
- Population Density
- 431 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.83%
- Annual Growth
- +11,765,184 people
- Daily Growth
- +32,233 people
- World Population Share
- 17.50%
- Coordinates
- 20.00°, 77.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $2.7k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 4.2%, below the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 25.5.
Life Expectancy
72.0 years
GDP per Capita
$2,695
Birth Rate
16.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
35.4%
Fertility Rate
1.98 births/woman
Infant Mortality
24.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
4.2%
Literacy Rate
81.7%
Internet Users
70.0%
Under 15
24.6%
Over 65
7.2%
Health Spending
3.3% GDP
Gini Index
25.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
349.0M
15-64 years
967.2M
65+ years
101.4M
Urbanization
Only 35.4% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. New Delhi, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 495753.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
501.5M
35.4%
916.0M
64.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 72.0 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 24.5 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 81.7% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in India
India has 532 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that India is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 2.0 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, India participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,417,492,000 |
| 2030 | 1,465,014,981 |
| 2035 | 1,526,396,368 |
| 2040 | 1,590,079,230 |
| 2045 | 1,656,177,247 |
| 2050 | 1,724,806,677 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for India.
Largest Cities in India
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in India by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of India?
The population of India is approximately 1.42 billion as of 2026, making it #1 in the world by population.
What is the capital of India?
The capital of India is New Delhi.
What languages are spoken in India?
The main languages spoken in India are English, Hindi, Tamil.
How big is India?
India covers an area of 3,287,263 km² with a population density of 431 people per km².
Is India growing or shrinking?
India is growing at a rate of 0.83% per year, adding approximately 11,765,184 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in India?
The average life expectancy in India is 72.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of India?
The GDP per capita of India is $2,695.