Replacement-level fertility rate in India
India: Replacement-level fertility rate was 2.29 in 2010. ▼ Falling
Replacement-level fertility rate in India, 1950–2010
Source: Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data.
Analysis
In 2010, replacement-level fertility rate in India stood at 2.29. That is the lowest value across all 7 years on record.
The figure is down 4.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, replacement-level fertility rate in India peaked at 3.7 in 1950 and was at its lowest, 2.29, in 2010.
That places India 38th out of 199 countries with data for 2010, putting it in the top quarter.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 1 |
| 1960s | 3.24 | 3.24 | 3.24 | 1 |
| 1970s | 2.9 | 2.9 | 2.9 | 1 |
| 1980s | 2.65 | 2.65 | 2.65 | 1 |
| 1990s | 2.52 | 2.52 | 2.52 | 1 |
| 2000s | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 1 |
| 2010s | 2.29 | 2.29 | 2.29 | 1 |
Countries ranked near India
More population data for India
- Population growth rate, by level of development -0.5% (2100)
- Number of children under 5, by world region 66.77 million people (2100)
- Population density 506.27 people per km² (2100)
- World population growth -0.5% (2100)
- Total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate 1.96 births per woman (2024)
- Refugees by country of asylum 236,763 people (2024)
- Fertility rate vs. unmet need for contraception 1.96 births per woman (2024)
- Total fertility rate vs. contraceptive prevalence 1.96 births per woman (2024)
- Natural population growth rate 1.0% (2023)
- Fertility rate: births per woman 1.98 live births per woman (2023)
Frequently asked questions
- What is replacement-level fertility rate in India?
- Replacement-level fertility rate in India was 2.29 in 2010, according to Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest replacement-level fertility rate recorded in India?
- The highest recorded value was 3.7 in 1950.
- What is the lowest replacement-level fertility rate recorded in India?
- The lowest recorded value was 2.29 in 2010.
- How does India rank for replacement-level fertility rate?
- India ranks 38th out of 199 countries with data for 2010.
- Is replacement-level fertility rate rising or falling in India?
- Over the last ten years it is down 4.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
- Where does this India data come from?
- The figures come from Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Replacement-level fertility rate. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
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About this data
The replacement-level fertility rate (the total fertility rate needed to keep the population size stable over time, without migration) is commonly stated to be 2.1. But the level can vary based on the sex ratio, child mortality rates, and other factors.