Elon Musk keeps warning about population collapse - India’s 1.9 fertility rate shows the problem has already arrived

India's fertility rate has declined to 1.9 births per woman, a figure below the replacement level of 2.1. This demographic shift is significant because India has historically relied on its large and young population to fuel economic growth and provide a substantial workforce. A declining fertility rate suggests a future with fewer young people entering the labor market and a potential increase in the proportion of older citizens.

This trend has broader implications, aligning with concerns raised by figures like Elon Musk regarding global population decline. While Musk has frequently voiced alarms about birth rates falling too low and the potential societal consequences, India's experience demonstrates that such demographic shifts are not confined to developed nations and are now a reality in large, developing economies. The long-term economic and social adjustments required by such a demographic transition are considerable.