India Population
South Asia · 1st most populous · Lower middle income
Population right now (estimate)
1,480,518,749
The population of India is about 1,480,518,749 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 1.48 billion for 2026 as a whole — 17.82% of the world's people.
India is one of the ten most populous countries on Earth (1st). The population is still growing, by about 0.87% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 1.68 billion. That is 3.4 times its 1960 population of 436 million. Population density is 497 people per square kilometre. 36% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
1.48 billion
Yearly change
+0.87%
World rank
1st
Share of world
17.82%
Density
497/km²
Land area
2,973,190 km²
Life expectancy
72.2 yrs
Births per woman
1.96
Population of India, 1960–2050
India population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 435,990,338 | — | 147 |
| 1970 | 545,864,268 | +2.24% | 184 |
| 1980 | 687,354,025 | +2.41% | 231 |
| 1990 | 864,972,221 | +2.24% | 291 |
| 2000 | 1,057,922,733 | +1.90% | 356 |
| 2010 | 1,243,481,564 | +1.47% | 418 |
| 2020 | 1,402,617,695 | +0.98% | 472 |
| 2024 | 1,450,935,791 | +0.89% | 488 |
| 2026proj. | 1,476,625,576 | +0.87% | 497 |
| 2030proj. | 1,525,138,844 | +0.77% | 513 |
| 2040proj. | 1,622,580,039 | +0.49% | 546 |
| 2050proj. | 1,679,589,259 | +0.24% | 565 |
India vs Bangladesh
India has 8.3 times as many people as Bangladesh (178 million). Bangladesh is 2.8 times more densely populated.
India population: questions and answers
What is the population of India in 2026?
About 1,476,625,576 (1.48 billion), based on World Bank projections.
Is India's population growing?
Yes, by about 0.87% a year (2026).
What is the population density of India?
About 497 people per km², with a land area of 2,973,190 km².
What will the population of India be in 2050?
About 1.68 billion on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of India?
New Delhi.
What is the life expectancy in India?
72.2 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.