I.              Overview of the State of World Population Report 2025

Introduction

• The United Nations Population Fund’s 2025 report calls for a new perspective on global demographic patterns.
• It moves beyond simple concerns about population growth or decline to address deeper structural and psychological challenges, focusing especially on the disconnect between people’s reproductive goals and their ability to fulfill them.

Main Findings

1.     Global Population Trends

• The world population stands at approximately 8.2 billion.
• Population growth is slowing down in most countries.
• The global population is projected to peak around 2065 and decline afterward.

2.     Unequal Population Dynamics

• Significant regional differences exist in fertility rates, economic progress, gender roles, and access to reproductive healthcare.
• Some nations face high fertility due to socio-economic challenges, while countries like India, China, and many European states have fertility rates below replacement levels.

The Issue of Unmet Fertility Aspirations

• This term describes the gap between the number of children people want and the number they actually have.
• Globally, 20% of people expect not to reach their desired family size.
• Causes include financial burdens of raising children, job instability, inadequate housing, environmental concerns, social isolation, lack of partners, and delayed marriages.
• Gender inequality limits women’s reproductive autonomy, with 40% of women worldwide—especially in India—reporting restricted choices due to family or community pressures.

India’s Demographic Situation:

1.     Falling Fertility Rate

• India’s total fertility rate (TFR) is 1.9, below the replacement threshold of 2.1.
• This decline is driven by better education (especially for girls), improved healthcare, urbanization, delayed childbearing, enhanced living standards, and women’s empowerment.

2.     Regional and Social Differences

• Southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have TFRs under 1.8, whereas some northern states remain at or above 2.1.
• Access to contraception and reproductive healthcare varies by caste, income, and rural-urban status.

3.     Concerns About an Ageing Population

• A declining fertility rate before the economy fully matures could lead to a shrinking workforce and a heavier burden on fewer young people to support elderly care and social services.

4.     The Narrowing Window for Demographic Dividend

• India has one of the youngest populations worldwide, with over 65% under 35 years old, presenting a potential demographic dividend.
• This opportunity hinges on sufficient investment in health, education, and employment.
• The working-age population will shrink in about two decades.
• Without proper investment, this demographic advantage could become a burden.

Rights-Based Focus of the Report

1.     Reproductive Rights

• The report emphasizes individuals’ rights to make free reproductive choices rather than focusing solely on population statistics.
• It stresses the importance of deciding if, when, and how many children to have.

2.     Unintended Pregnancies in India

• 36% of Indians reported unintended pregnancies; 30% wanted children but couldn’t have them; 23% experienced both issues.
• This indicates gaps in access to contraception, societal acceptance, and healthcare support.

3.     Policy Recommendations

• Transition from coercive population controls to enabling informed, voluntary reproductive decisions.
• Prioritise comprehensive sex education, safe contraception access, and support for parents.

Policy Directions and Future Steps

1.     Changing Population Policies

• Move away from fear-driven narratives about over- or under-population.
• Shift focus from controlling numbers to empowering individuals with rights, education, and gender equality.
• Integrate family planning within broader social and gender equity frameworks.

2.     Investing in Human Capital

• Guarantee universal healthcare access, especially for women and children.
• Improve education and skill development to boost employment opportunities.
• Enhance women’s participation in the economy and leadership.

3.     Supporting Families

• Introduce subsidized childcare, flexible parental leave, and housing policies favorable to families.
• Promote men’s involvement in parenting and domestic work to reduce gender disparities.

4.     Data and Monitoring

• Conduct regular surveys and collect detailed data to track fertility trends and reproductive barriers regionally.
• Encourage research into gaps between fertility desires and outcomes.

Global Examples and Lessons

1.     Scandinavian Success: Countries like Sweden and Norway maintain low fertility rates alongside high living standards by offering free childcare, generous parental leave, and societal acceptance of working mothers.

2.     Japan’s Ageing Challenge: Japan’s experience highlights the need for early fertility support and active immigration policies.

3.     China’s Fertility Reversal Struggles: After decades of the one-child policy, China now tries to boost fertility with incentives but faces ongoing challenges due to economic uncertainty and gender inequality.