Home

/

School

/

CBSE

/

Class 12 Humanities (Arts)

/

Geography

/

Population distribution - Density and Growth and Composition

CBSE Explorer

Population distribution - Density and Growth and Composition

AI Learning Assistant

I can help you understand Population distribution - Density and Growth and Composition better. Ask me anything!

Summarize the main points of Population distribution - Density and Growth and Composition.
What are the most important terms to remember here?
Explain this concept like I'm five.
Give me a quick 3-question practice quiz.

Summary

Chapter Summary: Population

Key Points

  • Population Overview: India is the second most populous country with 1,210 million people (2011).
  • Population Pressure: Large population leads to pressure on resources and socio-economic issues.

Sources of Population Data

  • Census Operations: Conducted every 10 years; first complete Census in 1881.

Distribution of Population

  • Uneven Distribution: Significant variation in population distribution across states.
    • Highest Populated States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal.

Density of Population

  • Low Density Areas: Very hot, dry, and very cold, wet regions have low population density.

Population Growth Trends

  • Growth Variability: Population growth rates vary widely across states.
  • Adolescent Population: Comprises about 20.9% of the total population (2011).

Population Composition

  • Rural vs Urban: 68.8% of the population lives in rural areas; urban population growth is accelerating.
  • Linguistic Diversity: Approximately 22 scheduled languages and many dialects.
  • Religious Composition: Religion plays a significant role in cultural and political life.

Important Statistics

  • Villages: 640,867 villages, with 93.2% inhabited.
  • Urban Population: 31.16% of the total population, showing rapid growth.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the significance of population as a component of a country.
  • Analyze the patterns of population distribution in India.
  • Examine the sources of population data, particularly the Census operation.
  • Discuss the factors affecting population density and growth in India.
  • Evaluate the impact of climate on population distribution.
  • Identify states with large rural populations and reasons for their demographics.
  • Explore the occupational structure of India's population.
  • Assess the challenges faced by the adolescent population in India.
  • Review government policies aimed at youth empowerment and skill development.

Detailed Notes

Chapter 1: Population

Overview

  • India is the second most populous country with a population of 1,210 million (2011).
  • The large population puts pressure on limited resources and contributes to socio-economic problems.

Sources of Population Data

  • Population data is collected through the Census every 10 years.
  • First complete Census conducted in 1881.

Distribution of Population

  • India has a highly uneven population distribution.
  • States with highest populations:
    • Uttar Pradesh
    • Maharashtra
    • Bihar
    • West Bengal

Factors Influencing Population Distribution

  • Climate affects population density; very hot, dry, and very cold, wet regions have low density.
  • Rural populations are significant in states like Himachal Pradesh and Bihar.

Population Growth Trends

  • Population growth rates vary by state; some states have seen declines while others have increased.
  • Example: Maharashtra saw a decline of 6.7 percentage points from 2001-2011.

Population Composition

  • Composition includes age, sex, place of residence, ethnic characteristics, language, religion, marital status, literacy, and occupation.
  • Approximately 68.8% of the population lives in rural areas (2011).

Rural-Urban Composition

  • India has 640,867 villages, with 93.2% inhabited.
  • Urban population is 31.16% and growing faster than rural population.

Linguistic Composition

  • India has about 22 scheduled languages and numerous dialects.
  • Hindi has the highest percentage of speakers among scheduled languages.

Religious Composition

  • Religion significantly influences cultural and political life in India.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

  • Misunderstanding Population Distribution: Students often confuse population density with distribution. Density refers to the number of people per unit area, while distribution refers to how people are spread across a region.
  • Ignoring Rural-Urban Dynamics: Many overlook the significance of rural-urban migration and its impact on population growth and urbanization rates.
  • Neglecting Historical Context: Failing to consider the historical context of population data, such as the first Census in 1872, can lead to misunderstandings about current statistics.

Exam Tips

  • Focus on Key Statistics: Remember important figures, such as India's population of 1,210 million (2011) and the percentage of rural population (68.8%).
  • Understand the Role of Climate: Be prepared to explain how climate affects population density, particularly in very hot, dry, or very cold, wet regions.
  • Analyze Population Composition: Be ready to discuss various aspects of population composition, including age, sex, and occupational characteristics, as these are often exam topics.
  • Use Visual Aids: When discussing population distribution, refer to figures and graphs provided in the materials to support your answers.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

A.

5,000,000

B.

500,000

C.

50,000

D.

500
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The population density is given by the formula: Population Density=Total PopulationArea\text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Total Population}}{\text{Area}}. Rearranging the formula gives Total Population=Population Density×Area\text{Total Population} = \text{Population Density} \times \text{Area}. Substituting the given values: 500×10,000=5,000,000500 \times 10,000 = 5,000,000.

A.

72%

B.

80%

C.

70%

D.

66%
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

A 20% increase on the current literacy rate of 60% would result in a target rate of 60+(0.2×60)=72%60 + (0.2 \times 60) = 72\%.

A.

Rich mineral resources

B.

Favorable climate and fertile land

C.

High industrial development

D.

Extensive forest cover
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The North Indian Plains have a high population density primarily due to favorable climate and fertile land, which support agriculture and human settlement.

A.

18.15 million

B.

16.50 million

C.

12.10 million

D.

15.00 million
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

1.5% of 1,210 million is calculated as 0.015×1,210=18.150.015 \times 1,210 = 18.15 million.

A.

Dravidian

B.

Sino-Tibetan

C.

Indo-Aryan

D.

Austro-Asiatic
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family has the highest percentage of speakers in India, accounting for 73%.

A.

Indo-Aryan

B.

Dravidian

C.

Austric

D.

Sino-Tibetan
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family is the largest linguistic group in India, accounting for 73% of the population.

A.

31.16%

B.

68.8%

C.

79.8%

D.

54.6%
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, 68.8% of India's population lived in rural areas.

A.

Kerala

B.

Bihar

C.

Uttar Pradesh

D.

Maharashtra
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of 9.4% during 1991-2001.

A.

31.16%

B.

68.8%

C.

79.8%

D.

93.2%
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, 68.8% of India's population lived in villages.

A.

Urbanization

B.

Industrialization

C.

Improvement in agricultural technology

D.

Shift to non-farm based occupations
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The decline in the proportion of workers in the agricultural sector is primarily due to urbanization, industrialization, and a shift to non-farm based occupations, rather than improvement in agricultural technology.

A.

Tamil Nadu

B.

Puducherry

C.

Andhra Pradesh

D.

Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Puducherry registered the highest increase in population growth rate during 2001-2011 with an increase of 7.1 percentage points.

A.

1901-1921

B.

1921-1951

C.

1951-1981

D.

1981-present
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The period from 1951 to 1981 is referred to as the period of population explosion in India, caused by a rapid fall in mortality rate but a high fertility rate.

A.

10 million

B.

9 million

C.

12 million

D.

8 million
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The ratio of male to female workers is 3:2. If there are 15 million male workers, then the number of female workers can be calculated as (2/3) * 15 million = 10 million.

A.

65 million

B.

50 million

C.

75 million

D.

70 million
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

5% of 1.3 billion is calculated as 0.05 * 1,300,000,000 = 65,000,000 or 65 million.

A.

Goa

B.

Mizoram

C.

Himachal Pradesh

D.

Delhi
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Himachal Pradesh has a very high percentage of rural population.

A.

Christians

B.

Sikhs

C.

Muslims

D.

Buddhists
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Muslims form the largest religious minority in India, as per the 2011 Census.

A.

Phase I: 1901-1921

B.

Phase II: 1921-1951

C.

Phase III: 1951-1981

D.

Phase IV: Post 1981
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Phase III (1951-1981) is referred to as the period of population explosion in India, characterized by a rapid fall in mortality rate but a high fertility rate.

A.

Bihar

B.

West Bengal

C.

Uttar Pradesh

D.

Kerala
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, Bihar has the highest density of population with 1,102 persons per square kilometer.

A.

Arunachal Pradesh

B.

Sikkim

C.

Goa

D.

Mizoram
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest population density with 17 persons per sq km.

A.

300,000

B.

500,000

C.

700,000

D.

900,000
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The rural population is 70% of the total population. Therefore, 0.7×1,000,000=700,0000.7 \times 1,000,000 = 700,000 people live in rural areas.

A.

High industrialization

B.

High urbanization

C.

Low urbanization

D.

High literacy rates
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Low urbanization and rural-urban migration regulate the concentration of rural population.

A.

34.29%

B.

36.00%

C.

32.00%

D.

38.00%
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Using the inverse proportionality, 40×30=k40 \times 30 = k and 40×30=35×x40 \times 30 = 35 \times x, solving for xx gives x=120035=34.29%x = \frac{1200}{35} = 34.29\%.

A.

1,210 million

B.

1,350 million

C.

1,500 million

D.

1,100 million
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, India's population was 1,210 million.

A.

1901-1921

B.

1921-1951

C.

1951-1981

D.

1981-present
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The period from 1951-1981 is referred to as the phase of 'population explosion' in India.

A.

30 million

B.

25 million

C.

35 million

D.

40 million
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Population density is given as 600 persons per sq km. Therefore, total population = 600 persons/sq km * 50,000 sq km = 30,000,000 or 30 million.

A.

Kerala

B.

Uttar Pradesh

C.

Maharashtra

D.

Bihar
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala had a low rate of population growth not exceeding 20% during 1991-2001.

A.

Dravidian

B.

Indo-Aryan

C.

Sino-Tibetan

D.

Austric
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family accounts for 73% of the speakers in India, making it the largest linguistic group.

A.

3.15

B.

3.50

C.

2.85

D.

3.00
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

A 30% reduction in the diversity index of 4.5 results in a new index of 4.5(0.3×4.5)=3.154.5 - (0.3 \times 4.5) = 3.15.

A.

6.05 million

B.

60.5 million

C.

605 million

D.

12.1 million
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

5% of 1.21 billion is calculated as 0.05×1,210,000,000=60,500,0000.05 \times 1,210,000,000 = 60,500,000.

A.

1901-1921

B.

1921-1951

C.

1951-1981

D.

1981-2001
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as the 'stagnant phase' due to low growth rates.

A.

Kerala

B.

Maharashtra

C.

Bihar

D.

Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of 9.4% during 2001-2011.

A.

High birth rate

B.

High death rate

C.

Improved healthcare

D.

Increased immigration
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The negative growth rate during 1911-1921 was primarily due to a high death rate, as poor health services and inefficient distribution of food led to high mortality.

A.

300 persons per sq km

B.

250 persons per sq km

C.

350 persons per sq km

D.

400 persons per sq km
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Population density is calculated as the total population divided by the total land area. Here, it would be 15,000,00050,000=300\frac{15,000,000}{50,000} = 300 persons per sq km.

A.

15.5%

B.

20.9%

C.

25.3%

D.

30.1%
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In 2011, adolescents (age 10-19) made up about 20.9% of India's population.

A.

Kerala

B.

Uttar Pradesh

C.

Maharashtra

D.

West Bengal
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of population during the 2001-2011 decade with a growth rate of 9.4%.

A.

Indo-Aryan

B.

Dravidian

C.

Sino-Tibetan

D.

Austro-Asiatic
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Sino-Tibetan language family has the smallest number of speakers in India.

A.

Increased rural population

B.

Improved agricultural practices

C.

Shift towards secondary and tertiary sectors

D.

Decrease in urban population
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The decline in the agricultural workforce from 58.2% in 2001 to 54.6% in 2011 is attributed to a shift towards secondary and tertiary sectors, indicating a sectoral shift in the economy.

A.

80%

B.

85%

C.

90%

D.

95%
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The current literacy rate is 75%. An increase of 15% would make the new literacy rate 75% + 15% = 90%.

A.

Arunachal Pradesh

B.

Bihar

C.

Kerala

D.

West Bengal
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest density of population with 17 persons per sq km in 2011.

A.

Goa

B.

Mizoram

C.

Himachal Pradesh

D.

Kerala
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Himachal Pradesh has a very high percentage of rural population.

A.

117 persons per sq km

B.

382 persons per sq km

C.

828 persons per sq km

D.

1102 persons per sq km
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The density of population in India as per the 2011 Census is 382 persons per sq km.

A.

11.5 million

B.

11.6 million

C.

11.7 million

D.

11.8 million
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Using the formula for compound growth: Future Population = Present Population * (1 + growth rate)^n, where n is the number of years. Therefore, Future Population = 10 million * (1 + 0.03)^5 ≈ 11.8 million.

A.

Increase in birth rates

B.

Decrease in mean age at marriage

C.

Decrease in population growth rate

D.

Increase in mortality rate
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Improved female literacy is associated with better family planning and a decrease in birth rates, leading to a decrease in the overall population growth rate.

A.

Kerala

B.

Maharashtra

C.

Andhra Pradesh

D.

Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of 9.4% during the decade 2001-2011, which was the lowest in the country.

A.

High birth rate and low mortality rate

B.

Increased immigration

C.

Economic depression

D.

Improved agricultural techniques
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The period 1951-1981 in India was marked by a population explosion due to a rapid fall in mortality rate while the birth rate remained high.

A.

Uttar Pradesh

B.

Maharashtra

C.

Bihar

D.

West Bengal
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Uttar Pradesh had the highest population according to the 2011 Census.

A.

West Bengal

B.

Bihar

C.

Uttar Pradesh

D.

Kerala
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Bihar has the highest density of population in India with 1102 persons per sq km.

A.

Increased birth rate

B.

High fertility rate and rapid fall in mortality rate

C.

Increased international migration

D.

Improvement in health and sanitation
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The period 1951-1981 in India saw a population explosion primarily due to a rapid fall in mortality rate while the fertility rate remained high.

A.

Austro-Asiatic

B.

Dravidian

C.

Sino-Tibetan

D.

Indo-European
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The Indo-European (Aryan) family has the highest number of speakers in India, accounting for 73% of the population.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Bihar has a population density of 1102 persons per sq km, which is the highest among the northern Indian states.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that Uttar Pradesh has the highest population among the Indian states.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the 2011 census, India's population was 1,210 million, which is indeed larger than the combined population of North America, South America, and Australia.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the excerpt, India's population in 2011 was 1,210 million, which is larger than the combined population of North America, South America, and Australia.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of 9.4% among Indian states during the 1991-2001 decade.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family accounts for 73% of the linguistic composition in India.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The first complete population Census in India was conducted in 1881, not 1872.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The proportion of workers in the agricultural sector in India has shown a decline from 58.2% in 2001 to 54.6% in 2011.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tamil Nadu registered an increase in population growth rate by 3.9 percentage points during 2001-2011 over the previous decade.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The density of population in India (2011) is 382 persons per sq km.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as a period of stagnant or stationary phase of growth of India's population, not a population explosion.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The NYP-2014 indeed defines 'youth' as persons in the age group of 15-29 years.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The National Youth Policy (NYP-2014) defines 'youth' as individuals aged 15-29 years.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

India has 640,867 villages according to the Census 2011.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family accounts for 73% of the linguistic composition in India, making it the largest group.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In 2011, the proportion of urban population in India was 31.16%.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Since 1981, the growth rate of India's population has started slowing down gradually.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The period from 1951-1981 in India is characterized by a rapid fall in mortality rate and high fertility rate, leading to a population explosion.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The period from 1951-1981 is referred to as the period of population explosion in India, not steady population growth.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In 2011, adolescents aged 10-19 years made up about 20.9% of India's population.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, about 68.8% of India's total population lives in villages.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The 2011 Census reported that 31.16% of India's population lived in urban areas.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The agricultural sector has the largest share of Indian workers, although the proportion has declined over the last few decades.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In 2011, the agricultural sector still had the largest share of Indian workers, although there was a decline from previous decades.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, about 68.8% of India's total population lived in villages.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as a period of stagnant or stationary phase of growth of India's population, with very low growth rates.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The first population Census in India was conducted in 1872, but its first complete Census was conducted only in 1881.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the excerpt, India's population in 2011 was 1,210 million, which is larger than the combined population of North America, South America, and Australia.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The National Capital Territory of Delhi had a population density of 11,297 persons per square kilometer in 2011.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

During 1901-1921, India's population growth rate was very low, with a negative growth rate recorded during 1911-1921 due to high birth and death rates.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The density of population in India in 2011 was indeed 382 persons per square kilometer as mentioned in the excerpt.