--- type: "Chapter" knowledge_type: "chapter" entity_type: "chapter" id: "66dfd8913f8b4e9e69bf7447" title: "Population : Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition" board: "CBSE" curriculum: "CBSE" class: "Class 12" subject: "Geography" book: "India - People and Economy" chapter: "Population : Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition" chapter_slug: "population-distribution-density-growth-and-composition" canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-geography-india-people-and-economy-population-distribution-density-growth-and-composition" markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-geography-india-people-and-economy-population-distribution-density-growth-and-composition.md" source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter" source_id: "66dfd8913f8b4e9e69bf7447" source_pdf: "https://edzy-ai.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/edzy-express-ts/00429b6f-5482-40ba-87e3-ad635d698a34.pdf" source: "Edzy" version: 1 last_updated: "2026-06-20" --- # Population : Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition India, the second most populous country after China, has a significant population of 1,210 million as of 2011. This chapter discusses the distribution, density, growth, and composition of India's population, highlighting the relationship between population patterns and various socio-economic and physical factors. --- ## Knowledge Snapshot | Field | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Class | Class 12 | | Subject | Geography | | Book | India - People and Economy | | Chapter | Population : Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition | | Pages | 1-14 | --- ## Chapter Summary ### Short Summary The chapter explores India's population dynamics, focusing on its distribution, density, growth, and demographic composition. ### Detailed Summary India's population is unevenly distributed across its states and Union Territories, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest population. Various factors, including climate, resources, and socio-economic developments, influence this distribution. The country has seen a notable increase in population density, from 117 persons per sq km in 1951 to 382 per sq km in 2011. The growth of the population comprises both natural increase and migration, with a current annual growth rate of 1.64%. The chapter also discusses population composition based on age, sex, rural-urban status, and ethnicity, revealing the socio-economic dynamics within its demographic segments. --- ## Topic-Wise Explanation ### Introduction to Population This section emphasizes the significance of people in understanding a nation and introduces the concept of population dynamics in India. ### Sources of Population Data Population data is gathered every ten years through the Census, first conducted in 1872, with a complete census starting in 1881. ### Distribution of Population India exhibits highly uneven population distribution, with the majority located in plains and urban areas, while certain regions, despite large areas, have minimal populations. ### Density of Population The population density in India is 382 persons per sq km (2011), reflecting both high concentrations in urban areas like Delhi and low densities in regions such as Arunachal Pradesh. ### Growth of Population Population growth is categorized into natural growth driven by birth and death rates and induced growth from migration. The current growth rate is 1.64% annually. ### Population Composition This field examines the demographics of India, focusing on age, sex, rural-urban residence, and socio-economic status. ### Composition of Working Population The working population is divided into main workers, marginal workers, and non-workers, revealing economic dependency levels across regions. --- ## Core Ideas | Idea | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | Population Density | Measurement of persons per area, illustrating human distribution and resource pressure. | | Cultural Diversity | India’s multilingual and multi-religious landscape reflects its complex social structure. | --- ## Key Concepts | Concept | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Natural Growth Rate | The increase in population due to the difference between birth and death rates. | | Migration Impact | The effects of population movement on regional demographics and economic status. | --- ## Important Points for Revision * India is the second most populous country, housing 1,210 million people as of 2011. * The population density increased from 117 persons/sq km in 1951 to 382 in 2011. * Uttar Pradesh has the highest population, while regions like Arunachal Pradesh have very low densities. * The growth rate of India’s population is currently at 1.64% per year. * Population census is conducted every ten years, with the first complete census held in 1881. * A significant portion of India’s population resides in rural areas, with about 68.8% in 2011. * The adolescent population (ages 10-19) is approximately 20.9% of the total population. * The working population consists of 39.8% main and marginal workers, with a notable variation across states. --- ## Vocabulary and Glossary | Word / Phrase | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Physiological Density | Total population divided by net cultivated area, indicating pressure on land resources. | | Crude Birth Rate | The number of live births per thousand of the population annually. | --- ## Practice Questions ### Short Answer Questions 1. What is the current population of India as per the 2011 census? 2. How often is the Census conducted in India? 3. Name the states with the highest population density. 4. What percentage of India’s population lives in rural areas? 5. Define population growth rate. ### Long Answer Questions 1. Discuss the factors influencing the distribution of population in India. 2. Describe the phases of population growth in India since 1901. 3. Analyze the implications of population composition on India’s socio-economic conditions. --- ## Related Concepts * Rural-Urban Migration * Demographic Transition Model * Population Policies --- ## Source Attribution | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Source | Edzy | | Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter | | Reference ID | 66dfd8913f8b4e9e69bf7447 | | Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-geography-india-people-and-economy-population-distribution-density-growth-and-composition | | Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-geography-india-people-and-economy-population-distribution-density-growth-and-composition.md |