Population Geography Chapter 1: Distribution, Density,
Growth and Composition - Exam Notes
Key Definitions
Population refers to the people living in a particular area or country [1]. Population Distribution describes how people
are spaced over the earth's surface [1][2]. Population Density is the number of people living per unit area, calculated as:
Population Density = Total Population ÷ Total Area (sq. km) [3][21]
India's Population Status
India is the second most populous country globally with 1.21 billion people (2011 Census) [1][2]. India's population
exceeds the combined population of North America, South America, and Australia [2]. Population data is collected
through Census operations conducted every 10 years [2].
Population Distribution Patterns
Uneven Distribution
India has a highly uneven pattern of population distribution [2][14]. States like UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal
together account for 76% of the total population [2][11]. In contrast, states like Jammu & Kashmir (1.04%), Arunachal
Pradesh (0.11%), and Uttarakhand (0.84%) have very small population shares despite large geographical areas [2].
Factors Affecting Distribution
Physical Factors [1][4]:
Climate: Favorable climate with moderate temperatures attracts higher populations [1][23]
Terrain: Plains are densely populated, mountains are sparsely populated, plateaus are moderately populated [4][23]
Water Availability: River valleys and coastal areas have dense populations [4][5]
Soil: Fertile loamy soils support intensive agriculture and higher populations [5][8]
Socio-Economic Factors [1][2]:
Agriculture and Industry: Areas with developed agriculture and industries attract populations [1][4]
Transportation: Good road and railway networks increase accessibility and population density [4][7]
Urbanization: Cities offer employment, education, and healthcare facilities [5][7]
Mining: Mineral-rich areas provide employment opportunities [5]
Population Density
India's population density is 382 persons per sq. km (2011 Census) [11][14].
Highest density: West Bengal (903/sq. km), Bihar (880/sq. km) [17]
Lowest density: Arunachal Pradesh (13/sq. km) [17]
Special Cases: NCT Delhi has 9,340 persons/sq. km [17]
Population Growth
Definition: Change in number of inhabitants between two points in time [3][6].
Components:
Birth Rate (CBR): Number of live births per 1000 population per year [3]
Death Rate (CDR): Number of deaths per 1000 population per year [3]
Migration: Movement of people affecting population size [3]
Growth Rate Calculation:
CBR = (Total live births in a year ÷ Total population) × 1000 [3]
CDR = (Total deaths in a year ÷ Total population) × 1000 [3]
Demographic Transition Theory
Definition: Theory examining relationship between economic development and population growth [22][25]. The
theory describes transformation from high birth rates and high death rates to low birth rates and low death rates as
societies progress [25][31].
Four Stages [25][34]:
Stage 1 - Pre-Industrial/High Stationary:
High birth rates and high death rates
Slow population growth
Agricultural economy [25][34]
Stage 2 - Early Expanding:
High birth rates, declining death rates
Rapid population growth
Early industrialization [25]
Stage 3 - Late Expanding:
Declining birth rates, low death rates
Moderate population growth
Industrial economy [25]
Stage 4 - Low Stationary:
Low birth rates and low death rates
Stable population
Advanced industrial economy [25]
Population Composition
Definition: Study of population characteristics including age, gender, residence, occupation, education, religion [6]
[3].
Key Aspects:
Rural-Urban Composition: India has 31.16% urban population [6]
Sex Ratio: Number of females per 1000 males
Work Participation Rate: Varies significantly across sectors and regions [6]
Literacy Levels: Important indicator of human development
Important Points for Exam
First complete Census in India was conducted in 1881 [1]
Northern Plains and Coastal Areas have highest population concentration [1][2]
Population growth creates pressure on resources and socio-economic problems [1]
Physical factors like climate and terrain largely determine population distribution patterns [2][4]
India's population is projected to reach 1,350 million by 2025 [14]
Quick Revision Formulas
Population Density = Total Population ÷ Total Area (sq. km)
Birth Rate (CBR) = (Total live births in a year ÷ Total population) × 1000
Death Rate (CDR) = (Total deaths in a year ÷ Total population) × 1000
Key Statistics to Remember
India's Population: 1.21 billion (2011 Census)
India's Population Density: 382 persons/sq. km
Highest Density State: West Bengal (903/sq. km)
Lowest Density State: Arunachal Pradesh (13/sq. km)
Delhi NCT Density: 9,340 persons/sq. km
Urban Population: 31.16%
Top 4 States Population Share: 76% (UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal)
Prepared for 12th Standard Geography Exam - October 2025