Salient Demographic Features of India's Population

India is the second most populous country in the world with a population of over 1.3 billion people. Its demographic features play a vital role in shaping the country's economy, politics, and society. Some of the salient demographic features of India's population are:

Growth Rate of Population
- India's population has been growing at a rapid pace since independence, with the population doubling in size in just 40 years.
- The population growth rate has been declining over the years, but it still stands at around 1.05%, which is higher than many other countries.
- The high growth rate is primarily due to a high fertility rate, which is slowly decreasing but still remains higher than the replacement rate.

Uneven Distribution of Population
- India's population is unevenly distributed across the country, with some states and regions having much higher population densities than others.
- The northern and western parts of the country are more densely populated than the southern and eastern parts.
- The urban areas are also more densely populated than the rural areas, with some cities having population densities as high as 20,000 people per square kilometer.

Age Composition
- India has a young population, with around 65% of the population below the age of 35.
- The median age of the population is around 28 years, which is much lower than many other countries.
- However, the population is aging, with the proportion of elderly people increasing steadily over the years.

Conclusion
India's demographic features have both strengths and challenges. The young population can be a source of energy and innovation, but it also puts pressure on the country's resources and infrastructure. The uneven distribution of population can lead to regional disparities in development, while the high growth rate can strain the country's social and economic systems. Understanding these demographic features is crucial for policymakers and planners to address the challenges and leverage the strengths of India's population.