Band 9: The graph below shows the population of India and China from the year 2000 to the present day with projections for growth to the year 2050. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The graph compares historical and projected population figures for India and China between 2000 and 2050.

Overall, the most striking feature is the contrasting long-term trends: India’s population increases consistently over the entire period, while China’s population peaks around 2030 before entering a gradual decline. As a result, India is predicted to surpass China as the world’s most populous country.

At the beginning of the period, China’s population stood at approximately 1.26 billion, considerably higher than India’s 1.0 billion. Both countries experienced growth during the first three decades, though India’s rise was sharper. By 2010, India had grown to around 1.17 billion, while China reached about 1.34 billion. This upward trend continued until 2030, when both populations are estimated to be roughly equal at 1.45 billion.

Thereafter, India’s population is projected to continue its upward trajectory, climbing to about 1.6 billion by 2050. In contrast, China’s population is expected to decline gradually after its peak, falling to just under 1.4 billion by the end of the period. This divergence highlights a significant demographic shift between the two nations.