China + India Population: ~2.8 Billion (2023)

As of 2023, the world's two most populous nations combine for ~2.8 billion people—over 35% of humanity.

• China: ~1.453 billion (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023) — first decline since 1961
• India: ~1.412 billion (UN World Population Prospects, 2023) — surpassed China April 2023

Trajectories Diverging

• China: Peak 2022 (1.426B), now declining. TFR ~1.0-1.2. Aging rapidly (median age 39).
• India: Still growing. Peak ~2064 (~1.7B). TFR ~2.0 (near replacement). Median age 28.

Implications

India's demographic dividend window (2020-2050) vs. China's silver tsunami. Labor markets, consumption, geopolitics, climate emissions—all reshaped by this crossover. Africa (1.5B, TFR 4.2) is the next growth engine.