Andaman and Nicobar Islands Record Lowest Fertility Rate in NFHS-6

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded India’s lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at 0.9 in the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), which covers 2023-24 data and was released on 29 May 2026. The TFR is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, and India’s overall TFR in NFHS-6 is 1.9.

Total Fertility Rate

Total Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years, usually measured from ages 15 to 49. A TFR of 2.1 is used as the replacement level in population studies.

NFHS and its Coverage

The National Family Health Survey is a large-scale household survey conducted in India for health, nutrition, and population indicators. NFHS-6 provides data for States and Union Territories, including fertility, child health, and demographic structure.

Demographic Changes in the Union Territory

The TFR in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands fell from 1.3 in NFHS-5 to 0.9 in NFHS-6. It was 1.4 in NFHS-4 for 2015-16. The share of children under five years declined from 5.3% in NFHS-5 to 3.7% in NFHS-6, while the population aged 60 years and above increased.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory of India.
• NFHS-6 fact sheets were released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 29 May 2026.
• Preschool attendance among children aged two to four in the Union Territory fell from 88.5% in NFHS-5 to 66.2% in NFHS-6.
• India’s overall TFR in NFHS-6 is 1.9, which is below the replacement level of 2.1.

Population Age Structure

A declining TFR and a rising share of older persons are demographic features associated with population ageing. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands show both a low fertility level and an increase in the population aged 60 years and above.