Population Size and Distribution – Class 9 Notes

The population size refers to the total number of people living in a particular area. Population distribution shows how these people are spread, whether densely or sparsely, across the area. Understanding population size and distribution helps us learn about the concentration of people in different regions and how resources are allocated. It’s important for urban planning, resource management, and understanding societal patterns.

In this article, we will look into India’s Population Distribution by Density and Numbers. It is an important concept of Class 9. Students can go through this article to get comprehensive notes on “Population Size and Distribution”.

What is Population Size and Distribution?

Population is defined as the total number of people in a country, territory, or geographic area at a specific time. This can be for a specific sex and age group. The census of India provides us with information regarding the population of our country. It is an official enumeration of the population done periodically and is the most comprehensive source of demographic, social and economic data

Population Size

• Population size refers to the total number of individuals residing in a specific area, such as a country, region, or city.
• It is a fundamental aspect of demography, the study of human populations, and is often measured through censuses conducted by governments at regular intervals.
• The population size of a region is influenced by factors such as birth rates, death rates, migration, and government policies.
• It is essential to understand population size to assess the social, economic, and environmental implications for a given area.

Population Distribution

• Population Distribution is calculated as the number of persons per unit area. India is one of the most densely populated countries of the world.
• It can be uneven, with some areas densely populated and others sparsely populated, depending on factors such as availability of resources, climate, topography, and economic opportunities.
• Population distribution can be influenced by historical, cultural, and economic factors, as well as government policies and infrastructure development.
• Understanding population distribution helps in urban planning, resource allocation, and addressing issues related to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social services.

India’s Population Size and Distribution by Numbers

According to the 2011 Census

• India’s population as on March 2011 stood at 1,210.6 million, which account for 17.5 per cent of the world’s population
• This includes 623.72 million males (51.54%) and 586.46 million females (48.46%).
• India’s population increased by more than 181 million between 2001 and 2011.
• The average annual growth rate of the population declined from 1.95 in 2001 to 1.63 in 2011.
• Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in India, with a population of 199,812,341. 
• Sikkim is the least populated state, with a population of 610,577.
• Union territory with least population: Lakshadweep.

India’s Population Distribution by Density

Population density is calculated as the number of persons per unit area. India is one of the most densely populated countries of the world. Only Bangladesh and Japan have higher average population densities than India.

• The population density of India in the year 2011 was 382 persons per sq km.
• Densities vary from 1,102 persons per sq km in Bihar to only 17 persons per sq km in Arunachal Pradesh.
• In India, several states have population densities below 250 persons per square kilometer due to rugged terrain and unfavorable climatic conditions, which includes Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.
• Assam and most of the Peninsular states have moderate population densities as these states have hilly terrains with moderate to low rainfall. The soil in these areas is shallow and less fertile.
• The Northern Plains and Kerala in the south have high to very high population densities.
• The three states of the Northern Plains with high population densities in India are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• State with the highest population density: Bihar
• State with the lowest population density: Arunachal Pradesh.

Factors Affecting Polulation Size and Distribution

Factors affecting polulation size and distribution are:

• Physical factors: Climate, landforms, topography, soil, energy and mineral resources, accessibility, and cultural factors.
• Socioeconomic determinants: Cultural traits, economic activity, technology, and social structure.
• Migration: Regular movement of individuals or populations each year during certain seasons.
• Birth rate: The number of live births per thousand persons in a year.
• Death rate: The number of deaths per 1000 people.
• Net migration: The number of immigrants subtracted from the number of emigrants.

Conclusion: Population Size and Distribution

In India, population size and distribution are linked to diverse factors such as geography, economic disparities, cultural diversity, and governmental policies. The densely populated Northern Plains, notably states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, reflect fertile lands and historical urban centers. Conversely, states in the Northeast, such as Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, exhibit sparse populations due to rugged terrain and isolation. Urbanization, along with rural-to-urban migration, continues to shape population distribution patterns.

FAQs on Population Size and Distribution

What determines the distribution and size of populations?

The distribution and size of populations are determined by the main factors of population growth: fertility, mortality, and migration.

What do you mean by size of population?

Population size is the number of individuals in a population at a given time. 

What do you mean by distribution of population?

Population distribution is the pattern of how people live across the world. It can be measured as the density of the population in a given area.

What are the 3 types of population distribution?

The three types of population distribution are uniform, random, and clumped.

How do you calculate population size?

Population size can be calculated by multiplying the population density of an area (persons per square kilometer) by the total land area of that region (in square kilometers).