Numbers of the year 2024
More or Less: Behind the Stats
Deep Dive
What is India's total fertility rate in 2024 and why is it significant?
India's total fertility rate in 2024 is 2, meaning the average woman is expected to have 2 children in her lifetime. This is significant because a fertility rate below 2.1 leads to a declining population. India, traditionally a major driver of global population growth, has seen a dramatic decline from over 5 children per woman in the 1950s. This shift reflects improved access to health and education, but also raises concerns about future workforce distribution and aging populations.
How many countries held presidential or general elections in 2024?
In 2024, 66 countries held presidential or general elections, with additional elections for the EU Parliament. This represents an electorate of about half the world's population, ranging from 9,700 voters in Palau to 642 million in India. Some elections faced challenges like fraud accusations or delays due to unrest, and results varied widely, from Vladimir Putin's 87% in Russia to Paul Kagame's 99.1% in Rwanda.
How many children have been saved by vaccines in the last 50 years?
Approximately 150 million children have been saved by vaccines in the last 50 years, equating to one child every 10 seconds. This estimate comes from a Lancet study modeling a world without vaccine programs, focusing on 14 serious pathogens. Vaccines have contributed to around 40% of the decline in infant mortality, with the measles vaccine alone preventing an estimated 94 million deaths.
What are the regional disparities in India's fertility rates?
India's fertility rates vary significantly by region. Bihar has a fertility rate of 3, while urban parts of West Bengal have a rate of 1.39, comparable to Japan. These disparities highlight the uneven demographic transition across the country, with poorer regions like Bihar still experiencing higher fertility rates, while wealthier areas in the South and West face aging populations and workforce challenges.
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