Class 9 Geography Chapter 6: Population – The Ultimate Study Guide
Introduction
Can you imagine a world without people? Who would use the resources, create the economy, or build the social environments we live in? In Geography, human beings are the central element. They are the producers and consumers of Earth’s resources.
This chapter is one of the most vital sections of your Class 9 Social Science syllabus. Whether you are preparing for your school finals or competitive exams like NTSE, understanding the dynamics of the Indian population is essential.
1. Chapter Overview: Why Study Population?
The study of population tells us three main things:
1. Population Size and Distribution: How many people are there and where do they live?
2. Population Growth and Processes: How has the number changed over time?
3. Characteristics or Qualities: What are their ages, sex, literacy levels, and health?
2. Population Size and Distribution
India’s Population Size
As per the last official Census, India is the second most populous country in the world (though current estimates suggest we have reached the top spot).
• Data Point: According to Census 2011, India’s population was 1,210.6 million, accounting for 17.5% of the world’s population.
• Land Area: Interestingly, India holds this massive population on only 2.4% of the world’s total area.
Population Distribution by Numbers
Population is not spread evenly across India.
• Most Populous State: Uttar Pradesh (nearly 199 million).
• Least Populous State: Sikkim (approx. 0.6 million).
• Island Territory: Lakshadweep has only about 64,429 people.
Exam Tip: Nearly half of India’s population lives in just five states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
Population Density
Population density is calculated as the number of persons per unit area.
• India’s Average Density (2011): 382 persons per sq km.
• Highest Density: Bihar (1,102 persons per sq km).
• Lowest Density: Arunachal Pradesh (17 persons per sq km).
3. Population Growth and Processes of Population Change
Population is a dynamic phenomenon. It changes through three main processes: Births, Deaths, and Migration.
A. Population Growth
Growth refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a territory during a specific period.
• Absolute Increase: Subtraction of the earlier population from the later population.
• Annual Growth Rate: The rate at which the population increases per 100 persons per year.
B. Processes of Change
1. Birth Rate
Number of live births per thousand persons in a year.
2. Death Rate
Number of deaths per thousand persons in a year. A main cause of India’s rapid growth has been the rapid decline in death rates due to better medicine.
3. Migration
The movement of people across regions.
• Internal Migration: Within the country (does not change size, but changes distribution).
• International Migration: Between countries.
4. Characteristics of Population (Qualities)
Age Composition
The population of a nation is generally grouped into three broad categories:
1. Children (below 15 years): Economically unproductive; need food, clothing, and education.
2. Working Age (15–59 years): Economically productive and biologically reproductive. They are the working population.
3. Aged (Above 59 years): May be retired but can be productive. They are not available for employment through recruitment.
Sex Ratio
Defined as the number of females per 1000 males.
• It is an important social indicator to measure equality.
• India’s sex ratio has historically been unfavorable to females.
• Kerala has a sex ratio of 1084 (highest), while Haryana has one of the lowest (877).
Literacy Rates
A person aged 7 years and above, who can read and write with understanding in any language, is treated as literate.
• 2011 Literacy Rate: 73% (80.9% for males; 64.6% for females).
Occupational Structure
The distribution of the population according to different types of occupations.
• Primary: Agriculture, fishing, mining.
• Secondary: Manufacturing, industry.
• Tertiary: Transport, banking, services.
5. National Population Policy (NPP) 2000
The Government of India initiated a comprehensive policy to improve the health and welfare of the people.
• Goal: Provide a policy framework for imparting free and compulsory school education up to 14 years.
• Focus on Adolescents: NPP 2000 emphasized the nutritional needs and protection of adolescents from unwanted pregnancies and STDs.
6. Map Work Section (Board Exam Essentials)
In your board exams, you will likely be asked to identify or mark the following on an outline map of India:
1. State with the highest population density: Bihar.
2. State with the lowest population density: Arunachal Pradesh.
3. The most populous state: Uttar Pradesh.
4. The least populous state: Sikkim.
5. Highest Sex Ratio: Kerala.
7. Important Questions and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Which of the following is the most populous state in India?
A) West Bengal
B) Maharashtra
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Bihar
Ans: C) Uttar Pradesh
Q2. What is the population density of India as per Census 2011?
A) 324
B) 382
C) 421
D) 512
Ans: B) 382
Short Answer Questions
Q3. Define “Census”.
Ans: A census is an official enumeration of the population done periodically. In India, the first census was held in 1872, but the first complete census was taken in 1881. It happens every 10 years.
Q4. Distinguish between internal and international migration.
Internal Migration: Movement within the borders of a country. Does not change the size of the population. Influences distribution of population.
International Migration: Movement between different countries. Changes the total size of the population. Influences both distribution and composition.
Long Answer Questions
Q5. Discuss the three major components of population change.
Ans: The three components are Birth Rate, Death Rate, and Migration.
1. Birth Rate: If birth rates are higher than death rates, the population increases. India has traditionally had high birth rates.
2. Death Rate: With better healthcare and sanitation, death rates have declined significantly, leading to a “population explosion.”
3. Migration: Rural-to-urban migration is the most common in India because of the “push” factor (poverty in villages) and “pull” factor (jobs in cities).
8. Common Mistakes Students Make
• Confusing Growth Rate with Total Population: Remember, even if the growth rate is declining, the total population can still be increasing.
• Mixing up Density and Size: UP is the largest in size (number of people), but Bihar is the highest in density (people per sq km).
• Ignoring the Age Bracket: Always remember the working age is 15–59, not 18–60.
9. Memory Tricks & Mnemonics
• B-D-M: Remember Birth, Death, Migration as the “Big Decision Makers” of population change.
• Density Top 3: B-W-K (Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala) – The states with very high density.
10. Quick Revision Notes (Cheat Sheet)
• Total Population: 1.21 Billion (2011).
• Land Area: 2.4% of world area.
• Density: 382 per sq km.
• Sex Ratio: 943 females per 1000 males.
• Literacy: 73%.
• NPP 2000: Focused on healthcare, education, and adolescents.
11. FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: Why is the population of India concentrated in the Northern Plains?
A: Due to flat land, fertile soil, and abundant water supply, which are ideal for agriculture and industries.
Q: What is the significance of the ‘Adolescent Population’?
A: Adolescents (10-19 years) constitute 1/5th of India’s population. They are the future resource of the country, and their health and nutrition are vital.
Q: How does migration affect population?
A: It changes the demographic map of a region, impacting sex ratios and literacy rates in both the place of origin and destination.
Conclusion
Population is not just about numbers; it’s about the people who make a nation. Understanding this chapter helps you appreciate the challenges and opportunities India faces. Study the map work diligently, and keep the 2011 data on your fingertips for high marks!
Happy Learning! Do you have a question about the 2021 Census delay? Ask in the comments below!