Census of Himachal Pradesh (2011) | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Himachal Pradesh, located in the northern region of India, witnessed significant demographic changes between the 2001 and 2011 Census. This summary presents the key data and insights gathered from the Census 2011, along with comparisons to the Census 2001. Let’s explore the details. 

Population Growth and Composition

Total Population (2011 vs 2001)

• In 2011, the total population of Himachal Pradesh stood at 6,864,602.
• This marks an increase from the 6,077,900 population recorded in the 2001 Census.
• This shows a population growth of 12.94% over the decade.

Male and Female Population

• In 2011, the male population was 3,481,873, while the female population was 3,382,729.
• Comparatively, in 2001, the male population was 3,087,940, and the female population was 2,989,960.

Growth Rate Comparison

• The population growth rate between 2001 and 2011 was 12.94%, lower than the previous decade's growth rate of 17.53%.

Proportion of National Population

• Himachal Pradesh's population in 2011 formed 0.57% of India's total population, down from 0.59% in 2001.

Sex Ratio and Child Sex Ratio

Sex Ratio

• The overall sex ratio in Himachal Pradesh improved slightly, with 972 females per 1000 males in 2011, up from 968 in 2001.

Child Sex Ratio

• The child sex ratio (0-6 years age group) also saw a slight improvement from 896 girls per 1000 boys in 2001 to 909 in 2011.

Population Density and Area

Population Density

• The population density in Himachal Pradesh increased from 109 persons per square kilometer in 2001 to 123 persons per square kilometer in 2011.
• In terms of square miles, the density rose from 283 persons per square mile in 2001 to 319 persons per square mile in 2011.

Total Area

• The total area of Himachal Pradesh remained constant at 55,673 km² or 21,495 square miles.

Child Population (0-6 Age Group)

Total Child Population

• The child population (0-6 years) in 2011 was 777,898, slightly lower than 793,137 in 2001.

Male and Female Child Population

• In 2011, 407,459 boys and 370,439 girls were in the 0-6 age group.
• In 2001, there were 418,426 boys and 374,711 girls in this age group.

Literacy Rate

Overall Literacy

• The literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh showed remarkable improvement, increasing from 76.48% in 2001 to 82.80% in 2011.

Male and Female Literacy

• Male literacy rose from 85.35% in 2001 to 89.53% in 2011.
• Female literacy also improved significantly, from 67.42% in 2001 to 75.93% in 2011.

Total Literates

• In 2011, there were 5,039,736 literates, compared to 4,041,621 in 2001.
• Male literates accounted for 2,752,590, while female literates numbered 2,287,146 in 2011.

Religious Composition

Religious Distribution (2011)

• Hinduism is the predominant religion, with 95.17% of the population following it.
• Islam is the second most practiced religion, with 2.18% followers.
• Sikhism and Buddhism are each followed by 1.16% of the population, while Christianity accounts for 0.18%.
• Jainism represents a small fraction, at 0.03%, while Other Religions and those reporting No Particular Religion make up 0.01% and 0.12% respectively.

Urban and Rural Population

Urban Population (2011)

• 10.03% of Himachal Pradesh's population lived in urban areas, a total of 688,552 people.
• Urban males numbered 371,528, while urban females numbered 317,024.
• The urban sex ratio was 853 females per 1000 males.
• The urban child population (0-6 years) was 65,076, with a child sex ratio of 881 girls per 1000 boys.

Rural Population (2011)

• A vast majority, 89.97% of the population, lived in rural areas, totaling 6,176,050 people.
• The rural male population was 3,110,345, and the female population was 3,065,705.
• The rural sex ratio stood at 986 females per 1000 males, with a child sex ratio of 912 girls per 1000 boys.
• The rural child population (0-6 years) was 712,822.

Urban and Rural Literacy

Urban Literacy

• The urban literacy rate was 91.10%, with male literacy at 93.42% and female literacy at 74.25%.
• The total number of literates in urban areas was 568,000.

Rural Literacy

• In rural areas, the literacy rate stood at 81.85%, with male literacy at 89.05% and female literacy at 73.42%.
• The total literates in rural areas numbered 4,471,736.

Housing and Family Structure

Housing Ownership

• A significant 87.22% of houses in Himachal Pradesh were owned by the residents, while 10.31% were rented.

Family Structure

• 63.97% of couples in Himachal Pradesh lived in single-family households, reflecting a preference for smaller family units.

Population Projection (2019)

• Population Estimate
  • As per projections, the population of Himachal Pradesh in 2019 was expected to reach 74.35 Lakhs.

Key Demographic and Administrative Data

• Population by Castes

  • Scheduled Castes (SC): 1,729,252 (25.2% of the population).
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 392,126 (5.71% of the population).

• Administrative Divisions

  • Districts: 12
  • Sub-divisions: 52
  • Towns: 59
  • Tehsils: 75
  • Sub-tehsils: 34
  • Development Blocks: 75
  • Zila Parishads: 12
  • Municipal Corporations: 1 (Presently 2)
  • Nagar Parishads: 20
  • Nagar Panchayats: 23

Political Representation

• Rajya Sabha Seats: 3
• Lok Sabha Seats: 4
• Legislative Assembly Seats: 68

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh showed steady progress in terms of population growth, literacy rates, and housing between 2001 and 2011. With a population growth rate of 12.94%, improved literacy rates, and favorable sex ratios, the state continues to make strides in key developmental indicators.