India
With a population of 1.4 billion, India is the most populous democracy in the world. Around 60% of Indians live in rural areas; and 30 million people live in New Delhi, the capital of this diverse country.
Urban India is home to the largest number of children in the world, and 50% of the population is younger than 25 years old.
There are more than 2,000 different ethnic groups, and more than 400 native languages within the country.
This diversity has caused tensions among the different populations, but also creates an eclectic mix of traditions, food, cultural norms and habits.
SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in India since 1962.
Children are at risk
There are more than 300 million children in India. Despite the rapid economic growth of India, the country is struggling with different issues, and children are most vulnerable. Indeed, 30 million children in India live in poverty, and 8 million children live in slums, where living conditions are harmful to their development. One of the consequences of poverty is malnutrition, and 60 million children in India suffer from this. Finally, girls in India are affected by gender-biased practices, like child marriage or in education.
60M
Children suffer from malnutrition
Malnutrition
One fourth of the world’s undernourished people live in India. Due to economic issues, they struggle to provide enough nutritious food for their children.
And thus, in India, 20 million children suffer from wasting (low weight for height) and 40 million children suffer from stunting (low height for age). A balanced nutrition could help prevent malnutrition. The Indian government already offers multiple programmes but these efforts are not yet enough to eradicate malnutrition in the country.
929
Girls born per 1000 boys
Gender inequality
India ranks 140th out of 156 in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Index.
The situation is improving, however, gender inequality can be seen in many areas of social and economic life. For example, women do not have equal access to education, employment and political life. They have poorer health and more likely to face violence than men.
Furthermore, for every 1000 boys born in India, only 929 girls are born.
21%
Of the population lives in poverty
Poverty
Around 21% of the population in India lives on less than $1.9 a day. For children specifically, 30 million live in poverty.
Although India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, this also entails a rapid growing inequality between different population groups. The top 10% of the Indian population holds 77% of the national wealth.
Poverty levels also vary between different regions and between urban and rural areas. Although the situation has improved in past decades, the government continues to fight against poverty.
Together we can make a difference for children in India
.png)
19,290
Families
Can stay together
7,340
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
520
Medical treatments
Were possible
4,310
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
.png){kind=icon}
2,600
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
