Distribution of Population
India is the second most populous country globally, with a population of 1.21 billion (2011). The high population density leads to pressure on resources and contributes to significant socio-economic challenges. This section delves into the spatial distribution of the population, revealing that the demographic is uneven, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal having the highest populations.
The section highlights two types of density: physiological and agricultural. Both densities are crucial for understanding the pressure on land and resources, given the urbanization and land-use changes in several areas driven by environmental, historical, and socio-economic factors. Therefore, physical geography significantly contributes to variations in density across regions. For instance, the northern plains and coastal areas exhibit higher population densities, while regions like the Himalayas and some northeastern states are sparsely populated.
Population growth is categorized into four phases over a century, starting from a stagnant phase (1901-1921) to a growth explosion (1951-1981) and gradual slowdown thereafter. The importance of understanding demographic composition is also emphasized, including rural-urban characteristics, linguistic diversity, and religious demographics, which further define India's social fabric.