World Population Day 2025 on 11 July: theme and India’s youth
Why in the news
World Population Day is being observed on 11 July 2025. This year’s theme puts young people and their reproductive choices at the centre.
Key facts
- Origin: established in 1989 by the Governing Council of the UNDP, inspired by Five Billion Day on 11 July 1987.
- 2025 theme: empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.
- India has 371 million people in the 15 to 29 age group, per UNICEF.
- The youth share of India’s population was 27.2% in 2021 and is projected at 22.7% by 2036, according to the Technical Group on Population Projections.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Youth (15-29) in India | 371 million |
| Youth share, 2021 | 27.2% |
| Projected share, 2036 | 22.7% |
About World Population Day
The day aims to raise awareness of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights. The idea is credited to Dr K.C. Zachariah, then a senior demographer at the World Bank.
Exam angle
- Remember the date, 11 July, and the 1989 UNDP origin.
- Learn the youth numbers: 371 million and the fall to 22.7% by 2036.
- India’s demographic dividend and youth employment are common themes.