Introduction to Population
Population refers to the total number of people living in a country. India is the second most populous country in the world after China.
Question: Why is population considered a resource? Answer: When population has the right skills, education, and health, it becomes human resource that contributes to economic development.
Population Size and Growth
Current Population Statistics
| Statistic | Value | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population (2011) | 121 crores | 2nd in world |
| World Population Share | 17.5% | - |
| Area Share of World | 2.4% | 7th largest |
| Growth Rate (2001-2011) | 17.64% | Declining |
Population Distribution
Uneven Distribution
Population is not evenly distributed across India. Some areas are very crowded while others are sparsely populated.
Densely Populated Areas
- Northern Plains: Fertile soil, abundant water
- Coastal Areas: Favorable climate, trade opportunities
- Industrial Areas: Employment opportunities
- River Valleys: Water availability, fertile land
Sparsely Populated Areas
- Deserts: Harsh climate, water scarcity
- Mountain Areas: Difficult terrain, cold climate
- Forests: Thick vegetation, limited accessibility
- Swampy Areas: Unhealthy conditions
Population Density
Definition
Population density is the number of people living per square kilometer of area.
Formula: Population Density = Total Population รท Total Area
State-wise Density (2011)
| Category | States/UTs | Density (per sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | Delhi | 11,320 |
| High | Bihar, West Bengal | >1000 |
| Medium | Punjab, Haryana | 500-1000 |
| Low | Rajasthan, MP | 200-500 |
| Lowest | Arunachal Pradesh | 17 |
Population Growth
Growth Patterns
India's population has grown rapidly since independence, but the growth rate is now declining.
Census Data
| Census Year | Population (Crores) | Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 36.1 | - |
| 1971 | 54.8 | 24.80 |
| 1991 | 84.4 | 23.87 |
| 2001 | 102.8 | 21.54 |
| 2011 | 121.0 | 17.64 |
Reasons for Population Growth
- Decline in death rate due to better medical facilities
- Improvement in food security
- Better sanitation and hygiene
- Control of diseases and epidemics
Population Composition
Age Structure
| Age Group | Percentage | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 30% | Children - future workforce |
| 15-59 years | 62% | Working age population |
| 60+ years | 8% | Elderly - dependents |
Sex Ratio
- Definition: Number of females per 1000 males
- India (2011): 943 females per 1000 males
- Kerala: Highest sex ratio (1084)
- Haryana: Lowest sex ratio (879)
Literacy Rate
- National Average (2011): 74.04%
- Male Literacy: 82.14%
- Female Literacy: 65.46%
- Kerala: Highest literacy (93.91%)
- Bihar: Lowest literacy (63.82%)