Pakistan is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, and China to the north. The country is the fifth most populous country in the world and has a rich history and culture. In this blog, we will explore the population of Pakistan in detail and discuss its rank in the world.
Introduction
Pakistan is a country with a diverse population that includes people from various ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. According to the World Bank, the population of Pakistan was 233.5 million in 2020, making it the fifth most populous country in the world. The country has a high population growth rate, which is a cause of concern for the government and policymakers.
In this blog, we will discuss the population of Pakistan in detail, including its historical trends, the factors that have contributed to its growth, and the challenges it faces. We will also discuss the implications of Pakistan's population for the country's economy, society, and environment.
Historical Trends
Pakistan's population has grown significantly since the country's independence in 1947. At the time of independence, the population of Pakistan was around 32 million. Since then, the population has increased more than sevenfold, reaching 233.5 million in 2020.
The growth rate of Pakistan's population has been high throughout its history, with the exception of a brief period in the 1970s when the government launched a family planning program. In the 1960s, the population growth rate was around 2.5%, but it has since declined to around 2% in recent years.
1. Factors Contributing to Population Growth
Several factors have contributed to the high population growth rate in Pakistan. These include:
1. High Fertility Rate: Pakistan has a high fertility rate, which is the average number of children born to a woman during her lifetime. According to the World Bank, the fertility rate in Pakistan was 3.6 in 2020, which is higher than the global average of 2.4.
2. Early Marriage and Childbearing: Marriage at an early age is prevalent in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas. Many girls get married before the age of 18 and start having children at an early age.
3. Low Use of Contraceptives: Despite the availability of contraceptives, the use of modern family planning methods is low in Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18, only 34% of married women in Pakistan use modern contraceptives.
4. Lack of Education: Education is a critical factor in reducing population growth. In Pakistan, the literacy rate is low, particularly among women. According to the PDHS 2017-18, the literacy rate for women is only 53%.
5. Religious and Cultural Factors: Some religious and cultural factors in Pakistan discourage family planning and promote large families. For example, some people believe that having many children is a blessing from God.
2. Challenges Posed by Population Growth
The high population growth rate in Pakistan poses several challenges for the country. These include:
1. Unemployment: Pakistan's economy is not creating enough jobs to absorb the growing workforce. As a result, unemployment is high, particularly among young people.
2. Poverty: Poverty is widespread in Pakistan, with around a quarter of the population living below the poverty line. The high population growth rate exacerbates poverty by putting pressure on the country's resources.
3. Environmental Degradation: The high population growth rate puts pressure on the country's natural resources, leading to environmental degradation. Deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity are some of the environmental challenges that Pakistan faces.
As of 2021, Pakistan is the fifth-most populous country in the world, with an estimated population of over 225 million people. This figure is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with projections indicating that Pakistan could have a population of up to 450 million by 2050.
The rapid population growth in Pakistan has been a cause for concern among policymakers and academics alike, as it presents a number of challenges for the country in terms of social, economic, and political development. In this blog, we will explore the factors driving Pakistan's population growth, the impact of this growth on the country, and what steps can be taken to address the issue.
3. Impact of Population Growth on Pakistan
The rapid population growth in Pakistan has a number of implications for the country. These include:
1. Strain on Resources: Pakistan is already struggling to provide basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water to its population. With the population set to double in the coming years, this strain will only increase.
2. Unemployment: Pakistan is already grappling with high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people. A growing population will only exacerbate this problem, making it even harder for the government to provide jobs for everyone.
3. Environmental Degradation: Pakistan is already facing a range of environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, and water scarcity. A growing population will put even more pressure on the country's natural resources, leading to further environmental degradation.
4. Political Instability: Rapid population growth can be a destabilizing force, particularly in countries that are already politically fragile. In Pakistan, the combination of a growing population and political instability could lead to social unrest and even conflict.
4. What Can Be Done to Address the Issue?
To address the issue of population growth in Pakistan, a number of strategies could be employed. These include:
1. Family Planning: The government could do more to promote family planning, particularly among women. This could involve increasing access to contraceptives, providing education about the benefits of smaller families, and addressing cultural and religious barriers to family planning.
2. Education: Improving education levels, particularly among women, is also crucial. Education has been shown to be a key factor in reducing birth rates, as it empowers women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
3. Economic Development: Creating jobs and improving economic opportunities for young people could also help to reduce birth rates. When young people have access to good jobs and feel economically secure, they are less likely to have large families.
4. Environmental Conservation: Protecting Pakistan's natural resources is also crucial. This could involve implementing policies to reduce deforestation, conserve water, and promote sustainable agriculture.