Class 9 (Geography) Chapter 6 (Population)

 

Class 9 (Geography)

Chapter 6 (Population)

 

Notes

 

Population Overview

Population is considered a nation's most valuable asset, as individuals contribute to economic and societal development through their labor and expertise. The census of India provides comprehensive data on the total population and various demographic aspects.

Population Size and Distribution

Population Size: In March 2001, India's population stood at 1,028 million, comprising approximately 16.7% of the global population. Uttar Pradesh, with a population of 166 million, is the most populous state, accounting for 16% of the country's total population. Conversely, Sikkim has a population of about 0.5 million, while Lakshadweep houses only 60,000 individuals. Nearly half of India's population resides in five states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. Rajasthan, the largest state, comprises only 5.5% of the total population.

Population Density: Population density refers to the number of individuals per unit area. India is one of the world's most densely populated countries, with a density of 324 persons/sq km in 2001. West Bengal recorded the highest population density at 904 persons/sq km, while Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest at 13 persons/sq km. Factors such as terrain and climate influence population density, with flat plains experiencing higher densities compared to rugged landscapes.

Population Growth and Processes of Change

Population Growth: India's population has steadily increased from 361 million in 1951 to 1,028 million in 2001. The declining growth rate indicates efforts to control births and manage population growth effectively.

Processes of Change: Population change results from birth rate, death rate, and migration. Birth rate denotes live births per thousand persons annually, while death rate represents deaths per thousand individuals annually. Migration, whether internal or international, impacts population size and distribution.

Age Composition

Population age composition categorizes individuals into children (below 15 years), working-age (15–59 years), and aged (above 59 years). Each group plays a distinct role in the economy, with the working-age population contributing to the workforce.

Sex Ratio and Literacy Rates

Sex ratio indicates the number of females per 1000 males in the population. Literacy rates measure the proportion of literate individuals aged above 7 years. In 2001, India's literacy rate was 64.84%, with notable gender disparities.

Occupational Structure and Health

Occupational structure classifies individuals based on primary, secondary, and tertiary activities. India's predominantly agricultural workforce highlights its developing status. Health indicators, including access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, influence population well-being.

Adolescent Population and National Population Policy

Adolescents, aged 10–19 years, comprise one-fifth of India's population and require focused attention for proper nutrition and health care.

The National Population Policy, implemented in 2000, aims to address various demographic challenges through measures such as education, healthcare, and family planning initiatives.

Important Question Answers

 

Question 1: Why is population significant in the development of the economy?

Population is crucial for economic development due to the following reasons:

• Resource Utilization: People are both consumers and producers of resources, essential for economic growth.
• Reference Point: Population serves as a fundamental reference for assessing the significance of various elements, such as resources and disasters, in relation to human needs.
• Understanding the Environment: Population size, distribution, and characteristics provide a background for comprehending the environment and its impact on economic activities.
• Producers and Consumers: Human beings play a dual role as producers and consumers, driving economic processes and influencing resource utilization.

In summary, population is integral to economic development as it influences resource utilization, serves as a reference point for assessing significance, and drives economic activities as producers and consumers.

Question 2: What are the primary drivers of internal migration?

Internal migration in India predominantly occurs from rural to urban areas due to various factors. This movement is often fueled by adverse conditions, referred to as "push" factors, in rural regions and attractive opportunities, known as "pull" factors, in urban centers. Factors contributing to internal migration include:

• Push Factors: These encompass adverse conditions in rural areas such as poverty, lack of employment opportunities, limited access to basic amenities, and agricultural uncertainties. These conditions compel individuals to seek better prospects elsewhere.
• Pull Factors: Urban areas offer allure in terms of increased employment opportunities, better living standards, access to education and healthcare facilities, and overall improved quality of life. These factors attract individuals from rural areas in search of better opportunities.

Question 3: Define occupational structure and elaborate on its classification.

Occupational structure denotes the distribution of the workforce among various occupations within a society. It encompasses a wide range of economic activities and is typically classified into three primary groups:

• Primary Occupations: These include individuals engaged in activities directly related to the extraction or production of raw materials from nature. Examples include agriculture, fishing, forestry, and mining.
• Secondary Occupations: This category comprises individuals involved in manufacturing and processing activities, typically utilizing machinery and technology to transform raw materials into finished goods. Industries like textiles, construction, and manufacturing fall under this classification.
• Tertiary Occupations: Tertiary occupations encompass service-oriented professions, where individuals provide various services rather than producing tangible goods. Examples include education, healthcare, banking, insurance, transportation, and commerce.

India's occupational structure predominantly comprises individuals engaged in primary sector activities, highlighting the country's agrarian economy where a significant portion of the population is employed in agriculture and allied sectors.

Question 4: What is the age composition of the population, and how is it categorized?

The age composition of a population refers to the distribution of individuals across different age groups within a society, serving as a fundamental demographic characteristic. It is typically categorized into three broad age groups:

• Children (Below 15 Years): This group comprises individuals who are economically unproductive and dependent on others for their basic needs such as food, clothing, education, and healthcare.
• Working Age (15 to 59 Years): Individuals within this age bracket are considered economically productive and form the workforce of the nation, contributing to economic activities and societal development.
• Old Persons (Above 59 Years): This category includes individuals who are typically retired from the workforce and may require care and support due to advancing age.

The working-age population constitutes the economically active segment, while children and elderly individuals are categorized as dependent populations who rely on others for their sustenance.

Question 5: Define sex ratio and identify two factors contributing to an unfavorable sex ratio in India.

Sex ratio denotes the number of females per thousand males within a population. In India, the sex ratio has been a matter of concern, with various socio-cultural factors contributing to its imbalance. Two primary reasons for an unfavorable sex ratio in India include:

• Low Status of Women: Socio-cultural norms and practices often marginalize women, resulting in their lower social, economic, and political status. This discrimination leads to a preference for male children, contributing to a skewed sex ratio.
• Dowry System: The prevalence of the dowry system, where substantial dowry payments are expected from the bride's family during marriage, perpetuates the preference for male offspring. Families may view the birth of a girl child as a financial burden due to dowry obligations, leading to gender-based discrimination.

These factors, coupled with societal perceptions and economic considerations, contribute to the imbalance in the sex ratio, adversely impacting gender equality and social dynamics in India.

Question 6: What are the key aspects of the National Population Policy 2000?

The National Population Policy, implemented by the Government of India in 2000, aims at achieving population stabilization by the year 2045. This policy is designed to address several key objectives focusing on economic growth, social development, and environmental preservation. The significant features of the National Population Policy 2000 include:

• Population Stabilization: The primary goal of the policy is to stabilize the population growth rate by implementing various measures aimed at regulating birth rates and promoting family planning.
• Economic and Social Development: The policy emphasizes the importance of population stabilization in fostering economic growth and social development. It recognizes the need for sustainable development strategies that consider demographic factors.
• Educational Initiatives: The policy advocates for the provision of free and compulsory school education up to the age of 14 years. By promoting education, especially among young girls, the policy aims to empower individuals with knowledge and awareness regarding family planning and reproductive health.
• Reduction of Dropouts: Another crucial aspect of the policy is to reduce dropouts at the primary and secondary levels of education. Ensuring continuous education contributes to informed decision-making regarding family planning and reproductive health among the population.

Question 7: What are the primary factors contributing to rapid population growth in India?

The rapid population growth in India can be attributed to several interconnected factors:

• High Birth Rate and Low Death Rate: Over the years, there has been a significant decline in the death rate, while the birth rate remains comparatively high. This demographic trend has contributed to population growth over time.
• Poverty: Economic constraints, particularly prevalent in impoverished communities, often lead to larger family sizes as children may supplement family income or serve as a form of social security in old age.
• Child Marriage: Early marriage remains prevalent in Indian society, particularly among girls aged 15-20 years. Early marriages often result in early childbirth, contributing to population growth.
• Low Status of Women: Gender disparities and the low social status of women contribute to early marriages and limited access to reproductive health services, perpetuating population growth.
• Illiteracy: High levels of illiteracy, particularly among women, hinder awareness and understanding of family planning methods, leading to uncontrolled population growth.

Question 8: Explain the mechanisms driving population change.

Population change is driven by three primary processes:

• Birth Rates: Birth rate refers to the number of live births per thousand persons in a year. In India, historically high birth rates have contributed significantly to population growth, outpacing death rates.
• Death Rates: Death rate denotes the number of deaths per thousand persons in a year. The decline in death rates, particularly since the mid-20th century, has been a major contributor to population growth by reducing mortality rates.
• Migration: Migration involves the movement of people across regions and territories. Internal migration within the country influences population distribution, while international migration impacts population dynamics globally. Migration plays a vital role in shaping the composition and distribution of the population.

Question 9: Discuss the population distribution in India and the geographical factors influencing it.

Population distribution in India varies significantly across different regions, influenced by various geographical factors:

• Low Density Areas: States with rugged terrain and unfavorable climatic conditions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, exhibit low population density due to limited inhabitable land.
• Moderate Density Areas: Regions characterized by moderate rainfall, shallow soil, and rocky terrain, such as the peninsular blocks and Assam, have a moderate population density.
• High Density Areas: The Northern Plains, characterized by fertile soil, abundant rainfall, and favorable climatic conditions, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, experience high population density due to suitable living conditions and agricultural opportunities.

These geographical factors, including terrain, climate, and soil fertility, significantly influence population distribution patterns, highlighting the diverse demographic landscape across different regions of India.