Population Characteristics - UPSC Indian Society Notes

The characteristics of a given set of population can be understood on the basis of the following parameters:

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Distribution and Density of Population

Population distribution patterns show how people are spread out across a place. This helps us understand what the population looks like in different areas. Density, on the other hand, tells us how crowded or sparse a specific area is with people. These patterns help us learn more about the population in different regions.
“Population distribution” describes how people are spread across the Earth’s surface, while “population density” refers to the number of people living in each unit of area, such as per square mile.
India has a total population of 121 crores (or 1.21 billion) according to Census, 2011. Further,
India’s population currently stands at 1.37 billion (2019, United Nations Population Division.), which accounts for approx. 17% of the world’s population.
India’s 1.37 billion people are spread unevenly across its vast land area of 3.28 million square kilometers, which makes up 2.4 percent of the world’s total area. As a result, India’s population density is approximately 382 persons per square kilometer.

Distribution of Population in India

India’s Population Distribution by Density:

Population density refers to the number of people living in a specific area. It helps us understand how the population is spread across a given area of land. By using population density, we can get a clearer view of how people are distributed across different areas, especially when the population is not evenly spread out.
The density of population in India (2011) is 382 persons per sq km. There has been a steady increase of about 265 persons per sq km over the last 60 years as the density of population increased from 117 persons/ sq km in 1951 to 382 persons/sq km in 2011.
The eastern region had the highest population density in India, with 625 people living in every square kilometer. In contrast, the North East region had the lowest density, with 176 people per square kilometer.
In terms of population density, the eastern region was followed by the central Indian region, which had a density of 417 people per square kilometer. The southern region had a density of 397, the western region had 344, and the northern region had 267 people per square kilometer.
The population densities of the Central, Northern, and Eastern regions in India increased at a higher rate compared to the Western, North Eastern, and Southern regions.

Factors Influencing the Distribution of Population

Geographical Factors
Economic Factors
Social and Cultural Factor
Demographic factors
Political factors

Geographical Factors

Availability of water: Water is crucial for survival as it serves various purposes such as drinking, bathing, cooking, cattle, industrial, and navigational needs. People naturally tend to live in places where they can easily access fresh water. River valleys, known for their reliable water supply, tend to be densely populated, as seen in ancient civilizations like the Indus and Mesopotamia.
On the contrary, desert regions have low population density due to the scarcity of water. However, oases within deserts have higher population density as they provide limited but essential water resources for settlement.
Landforms (Relief): People generally prefer living in flat plains and gentle slopes because these areas are conducive to farming, road construction, and industrial development. Flat regions are more favorable for agriculture and offer easier opportunities for infrastructural development.
In contrast, mountainous and hilly terrains pose challenges for transport infrastructure and initial agricultural and industrial growth, resulting in lower population densities. For instance, the Ganga plains, characterized by flat terrain, are highly populated, whereas the mountainous regions in the Himalayas have sparse populations.
Additionally, the thin air at altitudes higher than 4000 meters makes breathing difficult and physical exertion strenuous. Settlements are primarily found in high plateaus where farming and communication are relatively feasible, while other areas at such high altitudes have settlements mostly concentrated in valleys due to these challenges.
Climate and vegetation: Regions experiencing very heavy rainfall or extreme climates often have lower population densities. In extremely harsh environments like very hot or cold deserts, living conditions are extremely uncomfortable and sometimes nearly impossible.
Similarly, rainforests tend to be less populated compared to grasslands.
On the contrary, areas with more comfortable climates, where there is less seasonal variation, tend to attract more people due to the pleasant living conditions they offer.
Soils: People need food to survive and thrive. Agriculture is the primary source of such food. Now, fertile soils are very important for agricultural and allied activities.
Therefore,areas which have fertile soils have more people living on them, as these can support intensive agriculture.

Economic Factors

Minerals: Regions rich in mineral deposits often attract industrial activities due to the presence of valuable resources. This leads to the creation of job opportunities in mining and associated industries.
Consequently, skilled and semi-skilled workers migrate to these areas, contributing to their higher population density.
Urbanisation: Cities offer better employment opportunities, educational and medical facilities, better means of transport and communication. Good civic amenities and the attraction of city life draws people to the cities.
It leads to rural to urban migration and cities grow in size. Mega cities of the world continue to attract a large number of migrants every year.
Industrialization: Industrial belts provide job opportunities and attract large numbers of people. These include not just factory workers but also transport operators, shopkeepers,bank employees, doctors, teachers and other service providers.

Social and Cultural Factors

Certain places are popular due to their religious or cultural importance, drawing a large number of people. For instance, cities like Puri, Tirupati, and Haridwar are densely populated because of their significance in religious contexts.

Political Factors

In the same way – people tend to move away from places where there is social and political unrest. For example, many refugee migrants in the East and the North East have crossed over from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Governments often create policies or provide incentives to encourage people to reside or remain in specific areas. For example, the Bru/Reang tribes from Mizoram, who settled in Tripura and southern Assam, became the most populous tribe in those regions. A “four-corner agreement” was recently signed among the Centre, state governments of Tripura and Mizoram, and the Bru-Reang representatives. This agreement facilitated their permanent settlement in Tripura by granting them permanent resident status.

FAQs

1. What are population characteristics?

A: Population characteristics refer to the various attributes and qualities that can be used to describe and analyze a specific population group. These characteristics can be demographic, such as age, sex, race, and ethnicity; socio-economic, including education, income, and occupation; and also include health-related aspects, housing conditions, and other social indicators. Understanding these characteristics helps in planning, policy-making, and resource allocation in sectors like health, education, and urban development.

2. Why are population characteristics important?

A: Population characteristics are crucial for several reasons:

Planning and Policy Making: Governments and organizations use population data to make informed decisions regarding the allocation of resources, planning of services, and implementation of policies tailored to the needs of different groups.
Research and Development: Researchers analyze population characteristics to study trends, predict future changes, and develop strategies to address potential challenges related to public health, education, and socioeconomic development.
Targeted Interventions: Understanding the specific needs of different segments of the population allows for the design of targeted interventions to address inequalities, improve access to services, and enhance overall quality of life.

3. How are population characteristics measured?

A: Population characteristics are typically measured through censuses, surveys, and administrative records.

Censuses provide comprehensive data covering the entire population at a specific point in time, including detailed demographic information.
Surveys are often used to collect more detailed information on particular aspects, such as health, education, or employment, from a sample of the population.
Administrative records from government departments and agencies can also provide ongoing data on population characteristics, such as births, deaths, migration, and health records.

4. What is the difference between population distribution and population density?

Population Distribution refers to the geographical spread of people across a certain area. It shows how population is spread across different regions, cities, or neighborhoods, indicating areas of high and low concentration.
Population Density is a measure of the number of people living per unit of area (e.g., per square kilometer or square mile). It provides a quantitative measure of how crowded a place is, showing the intensity of the population in a specific area.

5. How do changes in population characteristics affect urban planning?

A: Changes in population characteristics can significantly impact urban planning in various ways:

Infrastructure Needs: An aging population may require more healthcare facilities, while a younger demographic might necessitate more schools and recreational areas.
Housing: Changes in household size and composition affect housing demand, influencing the types of housing that need to be developed.
Transportation: Variations in population density and employment patterns can influence the demand for public transportation and the development of road networks.
Environmental Considerations: Population growth and distribution can impact environmental resources, requiring careful planning to ensure sustainable development.

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Population Characteristics – UPSC Indian Society Notes