1. What is population?
Answer:
Population refers to the total number of people living in a particular area at a specific point in time. It is a key element in social studies as it impacts resource use, economic development, and planning.
2. Why is the study of population important?
Answer:
Studying population is important because:
- It helps in economic and social planning.
- It determines the availability and use of resources.
- It aids in understanding growth patterns, migration, and demographic trends.
- It is essential for infrastructure and policy formulation.
3. What is meant by Census?
Answer:
Census is the official count of population carried out by the government every 10 years. It collects data on population size, distribution, sex ratio, literacy, occupation, and other demographic aspects.
4. When was the first complete Census conducted in India?
Answer:
The first complete Census in India was conducted in the year 1881. Since then, it has been conducted every 10 years.
5. What is meant by population distribution?
Answer:
Population distribution refers to the way people are spread across a geographical area. It highlights how unevenly or evenly people live in different regions of a country.
6. Name the state with the highest and lowest population in India.
Answer:
- Highest Population: Uttar Pradesh
- Lowest Population: Sikkim
7. What is population density?
Answer:
Population density is the number of people living per square kilometre of land area. It indicates how crowded or sparsely populated a region is.
8. Which state has the highest population density in India?
Answer:
According to the 2011 Census, Bihar has the highest population density in India, with 1102 persons per sq. km.
9. What is the sex ratio of India as per the 2011 Census?
Answer:
As per the 2011 Census, the sex ratio of India is 940 females per 1000 males.
10. Name two states with the highest and lowest sex ratio in India.
Answer:
- Highest Sex Ratio: Kerala (1084 females/1000 males)
- Lowest Sex Ratio: Haryana (877 females/1000 males)
11. What is literacy rate?
Answer:
Literacy rate refers to the percentage of people aged 7 years and above who can read and write with understanding.
12. What is India’s literacy rate according to Census 2011?
Answer:
According to Census 2011:
- Overall Literacy Rate: 74.04%
- Male Literacy: 82.14%
- Female Literacy: 65.46%
13. What are the three broad age groups in population composition?
Answer:
The three broad age groups are:
- Children (0–14 years) – Economically dependent.
- Working age (15–59 years) – Economically productive.
- Aged (60 years and above) – Generally dependent.
14. What is meant by occupational structure?
Answer:
Occupational structure refers to the distribution of the population based on the type of economic activities they are engaged in. It is divided into:
- Primary (agriculture, fishing)
- Secondary (manufacturing)
- Tertiary (services)
15. What is migration? What are its types?
Answer:
Migration is the movement of people from one place to another.
Types of migration:
- Internal Migration: Within the country.
- International Migration: Between countries.
16. What are the push and pull factors of migration?
Answer:
- Push Factors (cause people to leave): Unemployment, poverty, lack of services.
- Pull Factors (attract people): Better employment, education, healthcare, living conditions.
17. What is the adolescent population? Why is it important?
Answer:
Adolescents are people aged 10–19 years. They form a significant part of India’s population.
Importance:
- They represent the future workforce.
- Need proper nutrition, education, and healthcare.
- Focus on skill development and mental well-being is essential.
18. Mention any three challenges posed by rapid population growth.
Answer:
- Pressure on natural resources
- Unemployment and poverty
- Inadequate education and healthcare services
19. What is the National Population Policy 2000?
Answer:
The National Population Policy 2000 aims to:
- Provide education up to age 14.
- Reduce infant mortality and maternal mortality.
- Promote family planning and delayed marriage.
- Achieve a stable population by 2045.
20. How does education help in population control?
Answer:
Education:
- Raises awareness about family planning and health.
- Delays early marriage and childbirth.
- Empowers people, especially women, to make informed choices.
- Reduces fertility rates and encourages small family norms.