Population Size and Distribution in India


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Population Size and Distribution in India

Population size and distribution: The arrangement or a spread of people of a country in different places is Population distribution. Size of population and its distribution can be studied under two heads: ONE population size and distribution by numbers and other is population distribution by density.

India’s Population Size and Distribution by Numbers: As per 2011 Census, population of India stood at 1,210 million, which is 17.5% total world population. It is unevenly distributed over the various states, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest population (199 million accounts for about 16.49 per cent of the country’s population) and Sikkim the lowest population (0.6 million accounts for about 0.05 per cent of the country’s population). Among Union Territories, Delhi has the highest (16.75 million) and Lakshadweep the lowest (64,429) population.

  • Almost half of India’s population lives in just five states comprising Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, while Rajasthan being largest state accounted for only 6% of the total population.
  • India’s Population Distribution by Density: The uneven population distribution can be better judged by the population density in the various states. The number of people living per unit area (sq. km) in an area (state or country) is called population density of that area. India’s is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. After Bangladesh and Japan, it is the third most densely populated country. India’s population density in 2001 was 324 persons per sq km (this increased to 382 persons per sq km in the 2011 Census), with West Bengal having the highest density of 904 persons per sq km and Arunachal Pradesh the lowest with only 13 persons per sq. km. According to 2011 Census, Bihar has the highest population density 1,102 persons per sq km and Arunachal Pradesh having the lowest population density of 17 persons per sq km. On the basis of population density whole country is divided into three regions:

  • High population density states: these states are characterized by flat plains with fertile soils and abundant rainfall. E.g. states of Northern plains and Kerala.
  • Moderate population density states: these states are characterized by hilly and rocky nature of terrain, moderate to low rainfall, shallow and less fertile soil. E.g. Assam and most of peninsular states.
  • Low population density states States with low population density below 250 people per sq. km are characterized by rugged terrain (mountainous and desert) and unfavorable climatic condition. E.g. Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Jammu and Kashmir etc.
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    According to the 2011 census held in India, which of the following states is the most populated state?

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 2

    The first complete census was held in India in the year ______________________

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 3

    Consider the following statements:

    • (A) India accounts for 17.5% of the world's population.
    • (B) This population is unevenly distributed over India's area of 3.28 million square kilometres.

    Which of the following is correct?

    Right Option : C
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