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Birth rates in India from 2004 to 2020, by state

UID: PD-20241003-IN-07

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Source

Sample Registration System Bulletin

Last Updated

November 4, 2024

Time Range

2004 – 2020

Periodicity

Annual

Overview

The birth rate, also known as the crude birth rate, is a key demographic indicator that measures the number of live births occurring in a population per 1,000 people annually. This vital statistic provides insight into population growth and is often used by policymakers, researchers, and governments to understand trends in fertility, family planning, and societal development. A high birth rate generally indicates a growing population, while a low birth rate may suggest declining growth or aging demographics. Factors influencing birth rates include cultural, economic, social, and environmental conditions. Countries with advanced healthcare systems and access to education often see lower birth rates, as families may opt for fewer children. In contrast, regions with limited access to family planning and healthcare may experience higher birth rates. Understanding the birth rate is crucial for managing resources, planning social services, and predicting future population changes on both national and global scales.

Trends & Insights

India’s birth rate at the national level consistently declined from 24.1 in 2004 to 19.5 in 2020, representing a substantial decrease of 4.6 points over 16 years. Southern states generally showed lower birth rates than northern states. Kerala maintained the lowest birth rates throughout this period, declining from 15.2 to 13.2, reflecting its advanced demographic transition and higher social development indicators. In contrast, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh consistently recorded the highest birth rates, though they, too, show a declining trend. Moreover, Bihar’s birth rate also decreased from 30.2 to 25.5, while Uttar Pradesh’s fell from 30.8 to 25.1. Union territories generally demonstrated lower birth rates than other states, with Goa and Andaman & Nicobar Islands maintaining rates below 15. A notable exception is Dadra & Nagar Haveli, which, despite showing significant improvement, still had relatively higher rates. The emergence of Telangana as a new state in 2014 introduced another entity with moderately lower birth rates (16.4 as of 2020) compared to the national average. The northeastern states presented an interesting case with varying patterns – while Manipur and Nagaland maintained lower rates, Meghalaya showed relatively higher figures.

The overall trend suggests a gradual but steady demographic transition across India, though the pace varies significantly by region. This decline in birth rates can be attributed to factors such as increasing education levels, better healthcare access, improved family planning services, and changing socio-economic conditions. However, the persistent regional disparities indicate the need for targeted interventions in states with higher birth rates to accelerate their demographic transition.

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Citation

Please cite this article using proper attribution to 360 Analytika when referencing or sharing our content.

Sample Registration System Bulletin. Birth rates in India from 2004 to 2020, by state (360 Analytika, Ed.) [Dataset]. 360 Analytika. https://360analytika.com/birth-rates-in-india-by-state/

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