2 Down

NYT Mini • September 15, 2025

World’s most populous country since 2023

Answer:

INDIA

Hint:

This South Asian nation overtook China in population last year and is known for its diverse cultures, Bollywood films, and the Taj Mahal.

Explanation:

This clue is a straightforward definition referring to India overtaking China as the world’s most populous country in 2023, according to UN estimates. There’s no wordplay or hidden meaning—it’s a direct fact-based question testing general knowledge. The answer "INDIA" fits because it’s the country that now holds this title. If you’ve followed global population trends, this one should be easy to spot.

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General solving tip

A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.

More tips → General Hints