1. Introduction to Population of India
India is the most populous country in the world (surpassing China in 2023) and accounts for nearly 17.76% of the global population. Population studies help in planning economic policies, healthcare, education, and resource distribution.
📌 Fact: According to United Nations estimates (2023), India’s population is over 1.43 billion (143 crore).
2. Population Growth in India
📍 Census of India: Conducted every 10 years (Last Census: 2011; Next: 2024).
| Census Year | Population (in Crores) | Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 36.1 | 13.3% |
| 1981 | 68.3 | 24.7% |
| 2001 | 102.8 | 21.5% |
| 2011 | 121.1 | 17.7% |
| 2023 (UN Estimate) | 143.0 | ~12% |
📌 Fact: The highest growth rate was recorded in 1971–81 (24.7%).
3. Population Distribution in India
📍 Highly Populated States (2021 Estimates):
| State | Population (in Crores) | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 24.1 | 1st |
| Maharashtra | 12.7 | 2nd |
| Bihar | 12.5 | 3rd |
| West Bengal | 10.2 | 4th |
| Madhya Pradesh | 8.5 | 5th |
📍 Least Populated States:
| State | Population (in Lakhs) | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sikkim | 6.8 | 1st |
| Ladakh | 2.9 | 2nd |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 13.8 | 3rd |
📌 Fact: Uttar Pradesh has the highest population, while Sikkim has the lowest.
4. Population Density in India
📍 Definition: Population density = Total population ÷ Total land area (sq. km).
📍 India’s Population Density (2011 Census): 382 persons per sq. km.
| State | Highest Density (Persons per Sq. Km) |
|---|---|
| Bihar | 1,106 |
| West Bengal | 1,028 |
| Kerala | 859 |
| State/UT | Lowest Density (Persons per Sq. Km) |
|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | 17 |
| Ladakh | 3 |
📌 Fact: Delhi has the highest population density among Union Territories (11,320 persons/sq. km).
5. Literacy Rate in India
📍 Definition: Percentage of people (7 years & above) who can read and write.
📍 India’s Literacy Rate (2011 Census): 74.04%
- Male Literacy Rate: 82.1%
- Female Literacy Rate: 65.5%
📍 Highest & Lowest Literacy Rates by State:
| State | Highest Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Kerala | 94% |
| Delhi | 89% |
| Himachal Pradesh | 87% |
| State | Lowest Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Bihar | 63.8% |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 65.3% |
| Rajasthan | 67.1% |
📌 Fact: Kerala has the highest literacy rate, while Bihar has the lowest.
6. Sex Ratio in India
📍 Definition: Number of females per 1,000 males.
📍 India’s Sex Ratio (2011 Census): 940 females per 1,000 males.
📍 Best & Worst Sex Ratios by State:
| State | Highest Sex Ratio (Females per 1,000 Males) |
|---|---|
| Kerala | 1,084 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1,026 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 997 |
| State | Lowest Sex Ratio (Females per 1,000 Males) |
|---|---|
| Haryana | 879 |
| Punjab | 893 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 912 |
📌 Fact: Kerala has the highest sex ratio, while Haryana has the lowest.
7. Urban vs. Rural Population in India
📍 Urbanization in India:
- Urban Population (2011 Census): 31.16%
- Rural Population (2011 Census): 68.84%
| State | Most Urbanized (%) | Least Urbanized (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 48.4% | |
| Maharashtra | 45.2% | |
| Kerala | 47.7% | |
| Bihar | 11.3% | |
| Himachal Pradesh | 10% |
📌 Fact: Tamil Nadu is the most urbanized state, while Himachal Pradesh is the least urbanized.
8. Population Growth Challenges in India
A. Overpopulation & Resource Pressure
❌ Water and food shortages.
❌ Deforestation & pollution.
B. Unemployment & Economic Burden
❌ More population = Fewer jobs available.
C. Healthcare & Education Struggles
❌ Overcrowded hospitals & schools.
D. Urbanization & Slum Growth
❌ Increase in slums & poor living conditions in cities.
📌 Fact: India adds about 1 crore people per year to its population.
9. Government Population Control Measures
| Scheme/Policy | Objective | Year |
|---|---|---|
| National Population Policy (NPP) | Reduce birth rate & control population growth | 2000 |
| Family Planning Programme | Provide contraceptives & awareness | 1952 |
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | Improve sex ratio & female education | 2015 |
| Mission Indradhanush | Improve child immunization | 2014 |
📌 Fact: India was the first country to launch a population control program in 1952.
10. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which state has the highest population in India?
a) Maharashtra
b) Bihar
c) Uttar Pradesh
d) West Bengal
✔ Answer: (c) Uttar Pradesh - Which state has the lowest population in India?
a) Sikkim
b) Goa
c) Mizoram
d) Ladakh
✔ Answer: (a) Sikkim - Which Indian state has the highest literacy rate?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Delhi
c) Kerala
d) Maharashtra
✔ Answer: (c) Kerala - What is the sex ratio of India as per the 2011 Census?
a) 940 females per 1,000 males
b) 950 females per 1,000 males
c) 920 females per 1,000 males
d) 960 females per 1,000 males
✔ Answer: (a) 940 females per 1,000 males - Which state has the highest population density?
a) Kerala
b) Bihar
c) West Bengal
d) Maharashtra
✔ Answer: (b) Bihar
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