Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition
Where India's people live
Identify physical and socio-economic factors behind the pattern.
In 2011, India had 1,210 million people. We know this from the Census, which counts the whole population every 10 years. The first Census was held in 1872, and the first complete one in 1881.
People are not spread evenly. Uttar Pradesh has the most people, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar and West Bengal. Just ten states hold about 76 per cent of India's population.
Why do people live where they do?
- Physical factors: a mild climate, flat terrain and plenty of water attract people. That is why the northern plains, the river deltas and the coasts are crowded, while deserts, thick forests and high mountains are thinly peopled.
- Socio-economic factors: irrigation, minerals, transport, industry and growing cities can bring people into areas that were once thinly peopled. Irrigation in western Rajasthan, or mining in the Chota Nagpur plateau, are examples.
In short: plains, water and jobs attract people.
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