India: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to India — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
India has a population of 1,352,617,328 spread across 3,287,263 km², giving it an average density of 411.5 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world. This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.
Population Density Map
Most Populous Cities
Demographics
Population Trends
How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. India is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 25% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.
Tourism
Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 2.8% of India's total exports, making it a smaller part of the economy, meaning you may find fewer purpose-built tourist facilities but more authentic experiences.
Health & Safety Infrastructure
Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available — India has 0.72 physicians per 1,000 people, below the global average. Good travel insurance with medical coverage is advisable.
Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure
Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In India, 56% of the population uses the internet — WiFi is available in cities and tourist areas, but coverage may be patchy in rural regions. There are 81 mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Source: World Bank Open Data