The sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1,000 males in a given population. It is an important demographic indicator that helps assess the gender balance within a population.

• Global Standard: Usually expressed as the number of males per 1,000 females.
• Indian Standard (Census Definition): Expressed as the number of females per 1,000 males.

🔸 A sex ratio above 1,000 indicates more females than males.
🔸 A sex ratio below 1,000 indicates fewer females than males.

Why It Matters

The sex ratio helps in understanding gender-based disparities, such as those caused by female foeticide, infanticide, healthcare access, and nutritional inequality.

A low sex ratio often reflects social discrimination against females and may result in long-term social challenges, including gender imbalance in the marriage market and increased violence against women.