11-Jun-2025

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Miscellaneous

Why in News? 

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released its 2025 State of World Population (SOWP) Report, titled "The Real Fertility Crisis." 

About the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 

  • Established in 1968 to support projects on population, sexual and reproductive health. 
  • Headquarters: New York. 
  • Role: Provides technical and financial support for population censuses, surveys and statistical activities, but does not collect primary statistics. 
  • Focus Areas 
    • Reproductive health (family planning, safe motherhood, STI prevention). 
    • Addressing population issues in developed and developing countries. 
    • Promoting gender equality, particularly in education. 
  • Assistance: Provided only in response to government requests. 

Report with Reference to India 

  • India’s population is estimated to reach 1.46 billion in 2025, making it the most populous country. It is expected to peak at 1.7 billion in the early 2060s and gradually decline. 
  • The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1, signaling fewer children being born. 
  • With 68% of the population in the working-age group, India has the potential for economic growth through a demographic dividend. However, the elderly population is rising. 
  • While progress has been made in fertility reduction and women’s rights, challenges remain, and India has the opportunity to lead globally by integrating reproductive rights with economic growth. 

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) 

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is the average number of children a woman would have during her lifetime, based on the current fertility rates across all age groups during her reproductive years (15-49 years). A TFR of 2.1, or two children per woman, is considered the replacement rate, ensuring population stability over time. 

Reasons For Declining Fertility Rate 

Preparing Through MCQ 

Q. When was the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) established?

(1) 1950 
 (2) 1968 
 (3) 1975 
 (4) 1980 

Answer: (2) 1968