WSJ Explains

India’s Population Surpasses China, Shifting Global Order

By the start of the next century, India’s population is expected to be double that of China’s.

By Wall Street Journal

China has been the most populous nation in the world since at least 1750. But in April, India’s population is set to surpass China’s. WSJ examines what this shift in population could mean for the future of each country, as well as the global economy. Photo illustration: Jacob Anderson Nelson/WSJ

WSJ Explains

News moves fast, and there's not always time to untangle the complex forces driving the day's biggest stories. WSJ Explains breaks down big market moves, business and economic trends, and scientific developments to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Up Next in WSJ Explains

  • Inside the Writers Strike: Negotiators Explain Where Talks Broke Down

    WSJ sat down for exclusive interviews with the showrunners of “Abbott Elementary” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” to understand the key sticking points that led to the writers’ strike and what’s next for the industry. Photo Illustration: Amber Bragdon/Getty Images
  • How the U.S. Is Trying to Block China's Control of Ports Around the Globe

    U.S. diplomats have been working to counter Beijing’s influence in ports that increase its economic power and could potentially be used for spying and military purposes. This video looks at China’s global network of ports and how the U.S. is working to stop their expansion in key areas. Illustration/Photo: Michael Tabb
  • The Wealth of King Charles III, Explained

    Details of King Charles III’s personal wealth are a closely-held secret. WSJ breaks down what is known about the monarch’s assets, his income streams and what he inherited from Queen Elizabeth II. Photo: Hannah McKay/AFP