India - Population | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


India - Population 
 
 
 
Population Map of India 
Introduction 
Nelson Mandela once emphasized the importance of an educated and informed 
population for the health of a democracy. India, a rapidly developing nation and 
aspiring to become the world's youngest country with an average age of 29, has 
experienced a significant surge in its population over the past decades. As a 
Page 2


India - Population 
 
 
 
Population Map of India 
Introduction 
Nelson Mandela once emphasized the importance of an educated and informed 
population for the health of a democracy. India, a rapidly developing nation and 
aspiring to become the world's youngest country with an average age of 29, has 
experienced a significant surge in its population over the past decades. As a 
India - Population 
 
 
result, India has now become the second most populated country globally, 
housing a staggering 1.324 billion people. This article delves into the details of 
India's population map, exploring key statistics and highlighting the implications 
of population growth on various aspects of the nation. 
Population Growth: A Remarkable Increase 
According to the Census report of 2011, India witnessed a remarkable increase in 
population from 1.071 billion in 2001 to 1.247 billion in 2011, representing a 
decadal growth rate of 17%. This exponential growth underscores the dynamic 
nature of India's population and its impact on the nation's socio-economic 
landscape. 
Population Density: Rising Numbers 
The population density of India has seen a steady inflation, escalating from 325 
persons per square kilometer in 2001 to 382 persons per square kilometer in 
2011. Consequently, Delhi, the capital city, emerged as the most densely 
populated Union Territory, closely followed by Chandigarh. This surge in 
population density necessitates comprehensive planning and effective resource 
management in urban areas. 
Highly Populated States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra & Bihar 
The 12
th
 Indian Census highlighted Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar as the 
most highly populated states in India. In 2011, the population figures for these 
states stood at 199,281,477, 112,372,972, and 103,804,637, respectively. This 
concentrated population distribution poses unique challenges and opportunities 
for these states in terms of infrastructure development, healthcare, and 
education. 
State-wise Population: A Rampant Rise 
The population map of India exhibits a prismatic variation across the nation. The 
population figures range from 64,429 in Lakshadweep to 16,753,235 in Delhi, 
27,704,236 in Punjab, 41,947,358 in Odisha, 103,804,637 in Bihar, and reaching a 
staggering 199,281,477 in Uttar Pradesh. These diverse figures underscore the 
Page 3


India - Population 
 
 
 
Population Map of India 
Introduction 
Nelson Mandela once emphasized the importance of an educated and informed 
population for the health of a democracy. India, a rapidly developing nation and 
aspiring to become the world's youngest country with an average age of 29, has 
experienced a significant surge in its population over the past decades. As a 
India - Population 
 
 
result, India has now become the second most populated country globally, 
housing a staggering 1.324 billion people. This article delves into the details of 
India's population map, exploring key statistics and highlighting the implications 
of population growth on various aspects of the nation. 
Population Growth: A Remarkable Increase 
According to the Census report of 2011, India witnessed a remarkable increase in 
population from 1.071 billion in 2001 to 1.247 billion in 2011, representing a 
decadal growth rate of 17%. This exponential growth underscores the dynamic 
nature of India's population and its impact on the nation's socio-economic 
landscape. 
Population Density: Rising Numbers 
The population density of India has seen a steady inflation, escalating from 325 
persons per square kilometer in 2001 to 382 persons per square kilometer in 
2011. Consequently, Delhi, the capital city, emerged as the most densely 
populated Union Territory, closely followed by Chandigarh. This surge in 
population density necessitates comprehensive planning and effective resource 
management in urban areas. 
Highly Populated States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra & Bihar 
The 12
th
 Indian Census highlighted Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar as the 
most highly populated states in India. In 2011, the population figures for these 
states stood at 199,281,477, 112,372,972, and 103,804,637, respectively. This 
concentrated population distribution poses unique challenges and opportunities 
for these states in terms of infrastructure development, healthcare, and 
education. 
State-wise Population: A Rampant Rise 
The population map of India exhibits a prismatic variation across the nation. The 
population figures range from 64,429 in Lakshadweep to 16,753,235 in Delhi, 
27,704,236 in Punjab, 41,947,358 in Odisha, 103,804,637 in Bihar, and reaching a 
staggering 199,281,477 in Uttar Pradesh. These diverse figures underscore the 
India - Population 
 
 
need for tailored policies and targeted interventions to address the specific needs 
of each region. 
Implications of Population Growth 
Rapid population growth can lead to an upsurge in poverty and create disparities 
in the education-equity process. Recognizing this, India has witnessed a stark 
decline in its population growth rate in the twenty-first century. The decadal 
growth rate dropped to 17.64% in 2011, compared to 21.54% in 2001. This 
decline signals a positive shift in the nation's population dynamics, paving the way 
for improved socio-economic indicators. 
The Significance of the Population Map 
The Indian Population Map provides significant information about the nation's 
population density, decadal growth rate, and overall growth trends. It serves as a 
valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and individuals seeking to gain 
insights into India's demographic landscape. Maps, with their visually appealing 
hues, leave an indelible impression on the minds of viewers, making it easier to 
comprehend the complex dynamics of India's population distribution. 
Conclusion 
The population map of India reflects the nation's ongoing metamorphosis in 
terms of population dynamics. With its exponential growth, India faces both 
opportunities and challenges in areas such as infrastructure development, 
education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. By studying and understanding the 
intricacies of the population map, policymakers and stakeholders can make 
informed decisions and devise strategies to foster a balanced and sustainable 
development trajectory.