Population and Associated Issues - Size, Distribution, Density and Composition

Population and Associated Issues 

As of 2021, India's population is estimated to be around 1.39 billion people, making it the second most populous country in the world after China. 

In terms of composition, India is a highly diverse country with numerous ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. 

Here is a rough breakdown of the composition of India's population: 

• Hindu: 79.8% 
• Muslim: 14.2% 
• Christian: 2.3% 
• Sikh: 1.7% 
• Other religions: 0.7% 

In addition to religion, India's population is also divided by language. Hindi is the most widely spoken language, with around 41% of the population speaking it as their first language. Other widely spoken languages include Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, and Kannada. 

India is also home to numerous ethnic groups, including the Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, and Mongoloid peoples, among others. 

As per the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' 'The World Population Prospects 2019' report, India is expected to overtake China as the most populous nation in the world by the year 2027. Moreover, the report suggests that the global population is likely to grow by an additional 2 billion individuals by 2050. 

 Population Size and Distribution 

The northern plains, which include the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, have some of the highest population densities in the country. This is largely due to favorable agricultural conditions and historically high fertility rates in these regions. 

In contrast, many of India's northeastern states, as well as parts of central and western India, have relatively low population densities. These areas often have more challenging terrain and less favorable agricultural conditions, which has led to lower levels of population growth and development. 

Urbanization is also an important factor in population distribution in India. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in urbanization, with many people moving from rural areas to cities in search of better economic opportunities. As a result, India's major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, have some of the highest population densities in the world. However, despite the rapid pace of urbanization, a significant portion of India's population still lives in rural areas. 

India currently accounts for 17% of the world's population. A recently published United Nations report predicts that India's population will increase by 273 million people by 2050. According to the 2019 report, India's population stands at an estimated 1.37 billion, while China's is 1.43 billion. The report also predicts that India will surpass China's population by 2027, becoming the world's most populous nation. 

As per the 2011 Census, the state of Uttar Pradesh has a population of 199,812,341, with an increase from 16.62 Crore in the 2001 Census. Of the total population, 104,480,510 are male and 95,331,831 are female. On the other hand, states like Sikkim and Lakshadweep have the smallest populations of 0.5 million and 60,000, respectively. The uneven distribution of the population in India can be attributed to the country's varying population densities. 

Population Density 

Population density refers to the number of individuals living in a particular area or region. It is calculated by dividing the total population of the area by the land area of that region. The resulting number gives an estimate of the number of people living within a unit of land area, usually measured in square kilometers or square miles. 

Population density is an important measure for understanding patterns of human settlement and for planning urban and rural development. High population densities may put pressure on infrastructure, services, and natural resources, while low densities may pose challenges for providing access to basic services and economic opportunities. 

 Population size and distribution are influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical location and geological factors. For example, regions with favorable climate and fertile soils tend to have higher population densities as they are more conducive to agriculture and support larger populations. In contrast, areas with harsh climates, rugged terrain, or poor soils may have lower population densities. 

Other factors that can influence population size and distribution include access to water resources, proximity to transportation networks, economic opportunities, political stability, and cultural factors. For instance, cities and towns with better infrastructure and job opportunities tend to attract more people, while areas with limited economic opportunities may experience outmigration. 

Factors impacting Population Density 

1. Geographical factors 

Indian geographical factors play a significant role in determining population distribution. Some of the key geographical factors influencing population distribution in India include: 

• Topography: India has a diverse topography, including plains, plateaus, mountains, and coastlines. Areas with favorable topography, such as the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains and river valleys, tend to support higher population densities. In contrast, mountainous regions and arid regions of India have lower population densities. 
• Climate: India has a tropical climate, with diverse climatic conditions in different parts of the country. Favorable climatic conditions, such as moderate temperatures and abundant rainfall, support agriculture and other economic activities that can sustain larger populations. For instance, the southern states of India, which receive more rainfall, have higher population densities compared to the arid regions of Rajasthan. 
• Natural resources: Access to natural resources such as water, forests, and minerals can also influence population distribution. For example, areas with abundant water resources, such as the delta regions of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, support higher population densities due to the availability of irrigation facilities for agriculture.
• Coastal regions: Coastal regions of India have also been historically more densely populated due to their strategic location for trade and commerce. 
• Hazards: Natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones can also influence population distribution. For example, areas that are prone to floods or earthquakes may have lower population densities due to the risk of disaster. 

2. Socio-economic factors 

Socio-economic factors play a crucial role in determining population density in a region. Some of the key socio-economic factors that influence population density in India are: 

• Economic opportunities: The availability of economic opportunities, such as jobs and education, can attract people to a region and increase population density. For instance, metropolitan cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, which are centers for economic activity, have high population densities. 
• Infrastructure: Access to basic infrastructure such as electricity, water, and healthcare can also influence population density. Areas with good infrastructure tend to have higher population densities. In contrast, areas with poor infrastructure may have lower population densities due to the lack of basic amenities. 
• Urbanization: Urbanization is a significant socio-economic factor that impacts population density. As more people move from rural to urban areas in search of better economic opportunities, urban areas tend to have higher population densities. 
• Education: Education is a key socio-economic factor that impacts population density. Areas with higher literacy rates tend to have higher population densities due to the availability of skilled labor. 
• Social and cultural factors: Social and cultural factors, such as social norms, religious beliefs, and language, can also influence population density. For instance, regions with a dominant ethnic or linguistic group may have higher population densities due to the sense of community and identity. 

3. Demographic factors 

• Age structure: The age structure of a population can significantly impact population density. Regions with higher proportions of young adults and children tend to have higher population densities. In contrast, regions with an aging population may have lower population densities. 
• Gender ratio: The gender ratio of a population can also influence population density. Regions with a higher proportion of females tend to have lower population densities. In contrast, regions with a higher proportion of males may have higher population densities. 
• Migration: Migration is another key demographic factor that impacts population density. Regions that experience high levels of in-migration tend to have higher population densities, while regions with high levels of out-migration may have lower population densities. 
• Fertility and mortality rates: Fertility and mortality rates can also influence population density. Regions with higher fertility rates tend to have higher population densities, while regions with high mortality rates may have lower population densities. 
• Ethnic composition: The ethnic composition of a population can also impact population density. Regions with a dominant ethnic group tend to have higher population densities due to the sense of community and identity. 

4. Political factors 

• Government policies: Government policies can impact population density by influencing the distribution of resources and economic opportunities. For instance, government policies that prioritize the development of rural areas may reduce population density in urban areas. 
• Political stability: Political stability is another key political factor that can impact population density. Regions with political instability and conflict tend to have lower population densities due to the risks associated with living in such areas. 
• Administrative boundaries: Administrative boundaries can also influence population density by defining the jurisdictional boundaries of a region. For instance, regions that are part of a larger administrative unit may have higher population densities due to the availability of resources and services. 
• Land ownership: Land ownership can also influence population density by affecting the availability of land for settlement and agriculture. Regions with high levels of land ownership concentration may have lower population densities due to limited access to land. 
• Migration policies: Migration policies can also impact population density by regulating the movement of people between regions. For instance, policies that restrict immigration to certain regions may reduce population density in those regions.