India’s Sex Ratio Trend from 1951 to 2011, As per Census 2011

The sex ratio refers to the number of females for every 1,000 males in a given population. This indicator provides insight into the societal balance between the two sexes. Typically, the sex ratio is influenced by various factors such as the sex ratio at birth (SRB), which generally favours male births due to biological factors, and mortality rates, as females often outlive males, particularly in older age groups. A sex ratio of 1,000 represents a balanced population with equal numbers of males and females, while deviations from this figure may suggest disparities that can have wide-ranging social, economic, and health implications. Understanding the sex ratio is essential for addressing gender-related issues, planning for healthcare and social services, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. It also helps to identify potential imbalances caused by factors like gender-based discrimination, migration, and differential access to healthcare, which can distort the natural demographic structure.