Class 9 : Social Science (In English) – Lesson 16. Population
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
🌍 1. Introduction: India’s Population Profile
📊 India = 2nd most populous country after China.
👥 ~17.5% of world population but only 2.4% land area.
🌱 Population = resource if educated, skilled, healthy.
⚠️ Burden if unemployed, illiterate, unskilled.
📈 2. Census and Population Growth
🗓️ Census = official population count every 10 years.
India’s first census → 1872 (non-synchronous).
Since 1881 → regular census.
Population growth → influenced by birth rate, death rate, migration.
📊 3. Size and Distribution of Population
👥 India’s population unevenly distributed.
🌆 States with high density: Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh.
🌄 Low density: Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, deserts of Rajasthan.
🌍 Distribution depends on relief, climate, water, soil, economic opportunities.
🌱 4. Density of Population
📊 Density = Population ÷ Area.
India average ~382 persons/km² (2011).
🌾 High density in fertile alluvial plains.
🌵 Low density in deserts, mountains.
🌦️ 5. Factors Affecting Population Distribution
🏞️ Relief: Plains more populated than mountains.
🌧️ Climate: Moderate climates preferred over extremes.
🌱 Soil: Fertile soil areas (Indo-Gangetic) have high density.
💧 Water: River valleys attract settlements.
🏭 Industries: Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata have high density.
📊 6. Population Growth Trends
🔹 1901–1921 → Stagnant growth (high death rate, epidemics, famines).
🔹 1921–1951 → Steady growth (better health, still high birth rate).
🔹 1951–1981 → Rapid growth (medical advances, declining death rate).
🔹 1981 onwards → Declining growth rate but population absolute size still increasing.
🗓️ 1921 is called Year of Great Divide (shift from declining to rising growth).
📈 7. Processes of Population Change
🌱 (i) Birth Rate
📊 Births per 1000 population/year.
India’s birth rate still higher than global average.
⚰️ (ii) Death Rate
📊 Deaths per 1000 population/year.
Declining due to medical facilities, nutrition, sanitation.
🔄 (iii) Migration
Movement of people → internal (rural–urban) & international.
Internal migration → urbanisation.
International migration → inflow (Bangladesh, Nepal) & outflow (Gulf, USA, UK).
👫 8. Age Composition
📊 Young (0–14 yrs): ~30%.
📊 Working (15–59 yrs): ~60%.
📊 Old (60+ yrs): ~10%.
🌱 Working population = productive, earns for dependents.
⚠️ High young dependency ratio = burden on economy.
🎓 9. Literacy
📚 Literacy rate = % of people (7+ yrs) who can read/write with understanding.
2011 census → 74% literacy (male 82%, female 65%).
States like Kerala, Himachal → high literacy.
Bihar, Rajasthan → lower literacy.
👩💼 10. Occupational Structure
📊 Agriculture = still majority (~50%).
🏭 Secondary sector (industries) → ~24%.
💻 Tertiary sector (services) → ~26%.
Developed economies have higher secondary & tertiary.
👩 vs 👨 11. Sex Ratio
📊 No. of females per 1000 males.
India’s average (2011) → 940 females/1000 males.
Higher in Kerala (1084), lower in Haryana (877).
Affected by female foeticide, preference for sons, social discrimination.
🌆 12. Population & Human Development
🌱 Population = asset if skilled, healthy, educated.
⚠️ Burden if illiterate, unemployed.
Policies must focus on family planning, education, skill development, women empowerment.
📝 Summary (~200 words)
India is the world’s second most populous country, holding 17.5% of global population in just 2.4% of land area. The census conducted every decade provides crucial data on size, growth, and distribution. Population density is uneven: high in fertile plains, low in deserts and mountains. Factors like relief, climate, soil, water, and industries shape distribution.
Population growth has passed through phases: stagnation (1901–21), steady rise (1921–51), rapid growth (1951–81), and slowing growth after 1981. Key processes of change are birth rate, death rate, and migration. India’s demographic features include a high working-age group, low sex ratio (940), and literacy rate of 74%. Occupations are still agriculture-dominated.
Population is both an asset and a liability. With investment in health, education, and skill, it can drive development; otherwise, it strains resources. Balanced population management is vital for sustainable growth.
⚡ Quick Recap (~100 words)
📊 Census → every 10 yrs, India = 2nd most populous.
🌱 Distribution → uneven; high in plains, low in deserts/mountains.
📈 Growth phases → Stagnant → Rising → Rapid → Slowing.
👶 Birth rate, ⚰️ Death rate, 🔄 Migration → key processes.
👥 Age groups → young, working, old.
🎓 Literacy → 74% (2011).
💼 Occupations → agriculture dominant.
👩 Sex ratio → 940/1000, low compared to global average.
🌍 Future → population as resource with proper planning.
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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK
🔵 Question 1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) Migrations change the number, distribution and composition of the population in
(A) the area of departure
(B) the area of arrival
(C) both the area of departure and arrival
(D) none of the above
🟢 Answer: (C) both the area of departure and arrival
(ii) A large proportion of children in a population is a result of
(A) high birth rates
(B) high life expectancies
(C) high death rates
(D) more married couples
🟢 Answer: (A) high birth rates
(iii) The magnitude of population growth refers to
(A) the total population of an area
(B) the number of persons added each year
(C) the rate at which the population increases
(D) the number of females per thousand males
🟢 Answer: (B) the number of persons added each year
(iv) According to the Census, a “literate” person is one who
(A) can read and write his/her name
(B) can read and write any language
(C) is 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding
(D) knows the 3 R’s (reading, writing, arithmetic)
🟢 Answer: (C) is 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding
🔵 Question 2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) Why is the rate of population growth in India declining since 1981?
🟢 Answer:
📉 Declining birth rate due to family planning.
🎓 Spread of education & awareness.
👩⚕️ Better healthcare reduces infant mortality.
👩 Empowerment of women.
(ii) Discuss the major components of population growth.
🟢 Answer:
👶 Birth rate → no. of live births per 1000 people/year.
⚰️ Death rate → no. of deaths per 1000 people/year.
🔄 Migration → movement of people (internal & international).
(iii) Define age structure, death rate and birth rate.
🟢 Answer:
👥 Age structure → distribution of population into young, working, old.
⚰️ Death rate → deaths per 1000 population/year.
👶 Birth rate → births per 1000 population/year.
(iv) How is migration a determinant factor of population change?
🟢 Answer:
🔄 Migration affects size, composition & distribution of population.
➡️ Out-migration reduces source population.
⬅️ In-migration increases receiving area’s population.
🌆 Leads to urbanisation & social change.
🔵 Question 3. Distinguish between population growth and population change.
🟢 Answer:
📈 Population growth → increase in no. of people, measured by births & deaths.
🔄 Population change → includes growth + migration + composition changes.
🔵 Question 4. What is the relation between occupational structure and development?
🟢 Answer:
👩🌾 If most work in primary sector (farming) → less developed economy.
🏭 Shift to secondary (industries) & 💻 tertiary (services) → higher development.
📊 Developed nations → majority in non-agricultural sectors.
🔵 Question 5. What are the advantages of having a healthy population?
🟢 Answer:
💪 Enhances productivity & efficiency.
🎓 Healthy people can pursue education & skills.
👩⚕️ Reduces healthcare costs.
🌍 Supports national development.
🔵 Question 6. What are the significant features of the National Population Policy 2000?
🟢 Answer:
🎯 Aim: Achieve stable population by 2045.
👶 Free & compulsory education up to 14 yrs.
👩 Reduce infant & maternal mortality.
👩⚕️ Access to family planning, contraception.
👩 Empower women for decision-making in family welfare.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS
🌟 SECTION A — Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)
🔵 Q1. Migrations change the number, distribution and composition of the population in:
(A) the area of departure
(B) the area of arrival
(C) both the area of departure and arrival
(D) none of the above
🟢 Answer: (C) both the area of departure and arrival
🔵 Q2. A large proportion of children in a population is a result of:
(A) high birth rates
(B) high life expectancies
(C) high death rates
(D) more married couples
🟢 Answer: (A) high birth rates
🔵 Q3. The magnitude of population growth refers to:
(A) the total population of an area
(B) the number of persons added each year
(C) the rate at which the population increases
(D) the number of females per thousand males
🟢 Answer: (B) the number of persons added each year
🔵 Q4. According to the Census, a “literate” person is one who:
(A) can read and write his/her name
(B) can read and write any language
(C) is 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding
(D) knows the 3 R’s (reading, writing, arithmetic)
🟢 Answer: (C) is 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding
🔵 Q5. Which state in India has the highest population density (2011)?
(A) Bihar
(B) West Bengal
(C) Kerala
(D) Uttar Pradesh
🟢 Answer: (A) Bihar
🔵 Q6. Which state has the lowest population density (2011)?
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Sikkim
(D) Mizoram
🟢 Answer: (B) Arunachal Pradesh
🔵 Q7. The year 1921 is known as the:
(A) Year of Small Growth
(B) Year of Rapid Growth
(C) Year of Great Divide
(D) Year of Explosion
🟢 Answer: (C) Year of Great Divide
🔵 Q8. Which factor is mainly responsible for population growth after 1951?
(A) High birth rate
(B) Declining death rate
(C) Migration
(D) Better education
🟢 Answer: (B) Declining death rate
🔵 Q9. Which sector employs the largest proportion of the population in India?
(A) Secondary
(B) Primary
(C) Tertiary
(D) Service
🟢 Answer: (B) Primary
🔵 Q10. What is India’s sex ratio as per Census 2011?
(A) 940 females/1000 males
(B) 900 females/1000 males
(C) 950 females/1000 males
(D) 970 females/1000 males
🟢 Answer: (A) 940 females/1000 males
🔵 Q11. Which state has the highest sex ratio in India (2011)?
(A) Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Punjab
(D) Haryana
🟢 Answer: (A) Kerala
🔵 Q12. Which state has the lowest sex ratio in India (2011)?
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Haryana
(D) Gujarat
🟢 Answer: (C) Haryana
🔵 Q13. What is the literacy rate of India as per 2011 census?
(A) 74%
(B) 70%
(C) 65%
(D) 80%
🟢 Answer: (A) 74%
🔵 Q14. Which state has the highest literacy rate in India?
(A) Kerala
(B) Himachal Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Maharashtra
🟢 Answer: (A) Kerala
🔵 Q15. Which state has the lowest literacy rate in India?
(A) Bihar
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Jharkhand
🟢 Answer: (A) Bihar
🔵 Q16. Which age group is considered the working population?
(A) 0–14 years
(B) 15–59 years
(C) 60+ years
(D) None of these
🟢 Answer: (B) 15–59 years
🔵 Q17. Which age group has the highest dependency ratio?
(A) 0–14 years (young)
(B) 15–59 years (working)
(C) 60+ years (old)
(D) 20–40 years
🟢 Answer: (A) 0–14 years (young)
🔵 Q18. Which is NOT a component of population change?
(A) Birth rate
(B) Death rate
(C) Migration
(D) Literacy rate
🟢 Answer: (D) Literacy rate
🔵 Q19. Which policy was introduced in 2000 to stabilise population growth?
(A) National Family Planning Policy
(B) National Population Policy
(C) National Health Policy
(D) National Demographic Policy
🟢 Answer: (B) National Population Policy
🌟 SECTION B — Very Short Answer (2 marks each)
🔵 Q20. Why has the rate of population growth in India been declining since 1981?
🟢 Answer:
📉 Declining birth rate due to family planning.
🎓 Spread of education & awareness.
👩⚕️ Better healthcare and reduced infant mortality.
🔵 Q21. Name the three major components of population growth.
🟢 Answer:
👶 Birth rate
⚰️ Death rate
🔄 Migration
🔵 Q22. Define age structure.
🟢 Answer:
📊 Distribution of population into young (0–14 yrs), working (15–59 yrs), old (60+ yrs) groups.
🔵 Q23. What is migration?
🟢 Answer:
🔄 Movement of people from one place to another (rural–urban, urban–urban, international).
Affects size, distribution, and composition of population.
🌟 SECTION C — Short Answer (3 marks each)
🔵 Q24. Distinguish between population growth and population change.
🟢 Answer:
📈 Population growth → increase in number of people through births and deaths.
🔄 Population change → includes growth + migration + composition.
🔵 Q25. Explain the relation between occupational structure and development.
🟢 Answer:
👩🌾 Countries with high agricultural workforce → less developed.
🏭 More people in industries/services → developed economy.
📊 India → still agriculture-dominant but services growing.
🔵 Q26. Define birth rate and death rate.
🟢 Answer:
👶 Birth rate = births per 1000 population/year.
⚰️ Death rate = deaths per 1000 population/year.
🔵 Q27. State two advantages of a healthy population.
🟢 Answer:
💪 Greater productivity and efficiency.
🎓 Able to pursue education and skills.
🌍 Contributes to national development.
🔵 Q28. Mention two significant features of the National Population Policy 2000.
🟢 Answer:
👶 Free & compulsory education up to 14 years.
👩⚕️ Reduce infant & maternal mortality.
🌱 Promote family planning and women’s empowerment.
🌟 SECTION D — Long Answer (5 marks each)
🔵 Q29. Explain the trends of population growth in India since 1901.
🟢 Answer:
📊 1901–21 → Stagnant (high deaths, epidemics).
📈 1921–51 → Steady rise (healthcare improved).
🚀 1951–81 → Rapid growth (declining death rate).
📉 1981 onwards → Growth slowing but still large absolute increase.
🔵 Q30. Describe the distribution of population in India.
🟢 Answer:
🌆 High density → Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, UP.
🌄 Low density → Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, desert Rajasthan.
🌍 Factors → relief, climate, soil, water, industries.
🔵 Q31. What are the causes and effects of migration in India?
🟢 Answer:
Causes: 🌾 Rural poverty, 🌍 lack of jobs, ⚡ better opportunities in cities.
Effects: 🌆 Urbanisation, 🚸 pressure on cities, 🌱 depopulation of villages.
👥 Also changes composition & culture.
🔵 Q32. Discuss the importance of literacy in population quality.
🟢 Answer:
🎓 Literacy improves skills and jobs.
👩💼 Reduces poverty & unemployment.
🌍 Contributes to social & economic development.
🌟 SECTION E — Case/Source-Based (4 marks each)
🔵 Q33. Case: A young population forms 30% of India’s population.
(i) What does this indicate? (1)
(ii) How is it an asset? (1)
(iii) Mention two challenges of a young population. (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) High birth rate.
(ii) Provides future workforce.
(iii) Need for education, job creation.
🔵 Q34. Case: A family migrates from Bihar to Delhi for work.
(i) What type of migration is this? (1)
(ii) Which area loses population? (1)
(iii) State two effects of migration on cities. (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) Rural–urban migration.
(ii) Bihar (source area).
(iii) Urban crowding, pressure on housing & jobs.
🔵 Q35. Source: India’s literacy rate increased to 74% in 2011.
(i) Which state has the highest literacy? (1)
(ii) Which state has the lowest literacy? (1)
(iii) Give two benefits of literacy. (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) Kerala.
(ii) Bihar.
(iii) Better jobs, improved quality of life.
🌟 SECTION F — Map/Skill (5 marks)
🔵 Q36. On an outline map of India, locate and label:
🟢 Answer:
📍 Bihar (high density)
📍 Arunachal Pradesh (low density)
📍 Kerala (highest literacy)
📍 Haryana (lowest sex ratio)
🔵 Q37. For visually impaired candidates: Write names of four states with high population density.
🟢 Answer:
Bihar
West Bengal
Uttar Pradesh
Kerala
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MIND MAPS
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