Population of India 2026: Statewise Data, Demographics & Forecast

The total population of India is about 148 crore which represents over 17.7% of the world population. India has about 65% of the total population under the age of 35 years and comprises the world's largest youth workforce. India has a total fertility rate or TFR has reduced below the replacement level of about 1.9. It shows that the population growth will stabilize in about half a century. The population pattern varies from region to region. For example, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are youthful and fast-growing states whereas Kerala and Tamil Nadu are ageing fastly. According to the United Nations, India will rise up to 170 crore population (approx.) by 2060 before it gradually declines.

The population of India in 2026 is about 148 crore which is around 17.8% of the world's population. The population growth rate of India has reduced in recent years due to decrease in fertility. However, the total population will increase in future decades because the majority of population in India lies in the reproductive ages. The urban population in India is about 37.6% whereas rural India is substantial. The population distribution is highly uneven.

For example, the Indo-gangetic plain or alluvial plains in north India is densely populated whereas the Himalaya, desert and forest areas are sparsely populated.

India is the 7th largest country in the world that covers a total surface area of about 32,87,263 square kilometers. It accounts for nearly 2.4% of the total land area of the world. India extends 3,214 km from north to south and 2,933 km from east to west. The total length of the land boundary of India is about 15,200 km. The coastline is about 7,517 km including the mainland, Lakshadweep, and Andaman Nicobar group of Islands. At the topographic level, India comprises about 43% plains, 28% plateaus, and 29% mountains.

Uttar Pradesh is the highest populated state in India. The state comprises an estimated population of 24.35 crore which is about 17% of India's total population. Interestingly, if we consider Uttar Pradesh as a country, it will rank at 6th position in the world which means it will surpass many countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, and Russia. It is situated parallel to the fertile gangetic plain and comprises a population density of about 829 persons per square kilometre. The state has an extensive river-fed agriculture with Prayag as its most populous city.