Distribution of Population- Factors, Types and Way Forward for UPSC Exam!

A nation’s people are its most vital element. With its overall population, India is the world’s second-most populated country after China, with 1,210 million people (2011). India has a population that exceeds that of Australia, South America, and all of North America combined. More frequently, it is stated that a big population inevitably strains the nation’s meager resources and is to blame for a number of the socio-economic issues the nation faces. According to the Appendix’s percentage breakdown of the population of the nation’s states and union territories, Uttar Pradesh has the biggest population, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal.

In this article, candidates can learn about the topic “Distribution of Population”. This forms a major part of the UPSC IAS exam, and questions related to this are seen in Mains Paper II in the Indian Geography of the above-said examination. 

Testbook provides comprehensive notes and online classes for UPSC, including different competitive examinations.

Download the PDF on Distribution of Population notes for the UPSC Exam here.

Read about population composition Here!

What is Population Distribution?

Population distribution refers to the spatial arrangement of people across a given area. It encompasses the patterns and variations in how people are spread out across different regions, cities, and rural areas. Understanding population distribution is crucial for various aspects of planning, development, and resource allocation. It helps identify areas of high and low population density, assess the demand for services and infrastructure, and inform strategies for urbanization and rural development.

Read about the National Population Policy Here!

Factors Influencing the Distribution and Density of the Population

Climate, landforms, terrain, soil, energy and mineral resources, accessibility in terms of distance from the shore, natural harbours, navigable rivers or canals, etc., are the primary physical variables. Cultural traits, economic activity kinds, technology (including farming practices), and social structure are all socioeconomic determinants. Demographic changes include those brought on by natural migration and growth. Political variables include things like political boundaries, political stability (or unrest), disturbances, restrictions on immigration and trade, governmental regulations, and transportation infrastructure.

Physical Factors Influencing the Population Distribution in India 

Man chooses to shape space in accordance with his cultural ideals, and as a result, habitations vary in reaction to environmental cues. Various physical factors influencing population distribution are

Climate – The climate is one of the most important natural forces. It affects agriculture and establishes the region’s vegetation type. The climate has an impact on the local animal species as well. Humans seek a hospitable climate in the places they intend to live. The climate belts serve as the principal centers of the majority of human activities. The distribution of the world’s population shows that tropical regions are home to the majority of the world’s most populous countries.

Topography or Terrain- In navigable areas than undeveloped ones, more people reside. Mountains are less desirable when there is a lack of arable ground. These regions also have far higher expenditures associated with construction, agriculture, and transportation. People’s capacity for adaptation is typically physiologically impacted by high altitudes.

Water – Water is necessary for human survival. Prehistoric civilizations were most successful near rivers and the coast. Rich civilizations were based on the banks of the Nile, Amazon, and Ganges river systems. The climatic conditions that support agriculture and vegetation decide whether a location is suitable for settlement.

Soil Quality – Soil quality affects population dispersal and density. A sizable section of the population relies on the agriculture industry, which is dependent on healthy soil. Because it is where food crops are grown, the soil is one of the most essential raw materials that people require. India’s alluvial, deltaic, and coastal regions all have high population densities. The Chhota Nagpur plateau is rich in mineral resources. The Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand and the surrounding districts of Orissa have higher population densities than other parts of the country because of the richness of minerals.

Location of a place – The concentration of the population is favored by proximity to important towns and cities. Living within city limits typically results in higher living expenses. The outskirts of the city or neighboring communities offer affordable housing options. Convenient ways to commute are provided by affordable, dependable transit.

Natural Disasters– Natural disasters reduce the appeal of population concentration. Frequent storms, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires prevent the development of settlements as people relocate to safer areas. There are several instances of natural disasters destroying human settlements.

Socio-economic and Historical Factors Influencing the Distribution of Population

Natural forces frequently have an impact on settlement decisions. However, over time, man has been able to alter and somewhat control natural processes. As a result, when determining where to dwell, factors other than natural aspects are taken into account. Social and economic perspectives gained importance as human society changed and necessities changed.

Economic Activity – Employment opportunities can be determined by economic activity. The majority of rural residents rely on agriculture for their living. They may decide to relocate to cities if the land is unable to maintain the rural people or because urban regions provide more opportunities. The concentration of people in cities is a result of the wide range of economic opportunities and means of subsistence that cities provide. In contrast to villages where there are fewer possibilities, there is typically a job for nearly everyone in cities.

Social Organization- People are encouraged to travel about and settle in newer places by the social organization of communities in those areas. Being a sociable animal, man finds it necessary to establish a society and establish a comfortable home base. People who relocate tend to settle in locations (or subsets of areas) where others share their language, culture, eating preferences, and other habits. Cities frequently have residential neighborhoods with a communal feel.

Read about the National Population Register here!

Various Population Distribution Patterns

It is possible to deduce the following facts from general demographic patterns and distribution of the population:

• Rural areas have a smaller population than metropolitan ones.
• The distribution of populations is greatly influenced by climatic factors. Extreme weather regions don’t typically have particularly dense populations.
• Natural resource availability is another significant aspect that affects the distribution of the population.
• The majority of the rural population depends on primary activities, whereas the urban population depends on service activities.
• Age group and gender are two more elements that affect population trends.
• There may be differences in population patterns between developing and developed nations.
• Three categories of population patterns can be identified:
  • The population that is evenly spaced apart, or uniform dispersion
  • Random Dispersion: randomly scattered without any discernible pattern
  • Clustered Dispersion: grouped together

Read about the Major Components of Population Growth here!

Major Characteristics of the Population of India

Large and Growing Population

India is the second most populous country in the world, with an estimated population of 1.4 billion people in 2023. This massive population is expected to continue growing. Projections suggest that it could reach 1.7 billion by 2050.

Uneven Distribution

India's population is not evenly distributed across the country. The majority of the population lives in rural areas. Approximately 68% reside in villages and towns. However, urban areas are growing rapidly. The proportion of urban dwellers is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

Age Structure

India has a relatively young population, with a median age of 28.2 years. This means that the majority of the population is of working age. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the country's economy and social development.

Gender Ratio

India has a skewed gender ratio, with approximately 944 females for every 1000 males. This imbalance is attributed to various factors. This includes son preference, female infanticide, and poor access to healthcare for women.

Literacy Rate

India's literacy rate has been steadily increasing over the years, with an overall literacy rate of 74.04% in 2011. However, there are significant disparities in literacy rates between men and women and between urban and rural areas.

Religious Diversity

India is a religiously diverse country, with major religions including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This diversity contributes to India's rich cultural heritage.

Occupational Structure

India's occupational structure is shifting from agriculture to a more service-oriented economy. However, agriculture still remains the primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population.

Urbanization

India is undergoing rapid urbanization, with cities growing in size and number. This urbanization is driven by many factors. It includes economic opportunities, better education and healthcare facilities, and a desire for a better quality of life.

Read about the World Population here!

Four Phases of Population Growth in India

Phases	Characteristics
Phase I	India’s population growth rate was extremely slow during this time, even having a negative growth rate between the years 1911 to 1921. The years 1901 to 1921 are referred to as a period of motionless or stalled population growth. Because of the high birth and mortality rates, the rate of increase was kept low. High birth and mortality rates in this time period were mostly caused by poor health and medical care, widespread illiteracy, and an ineffective distribution system for food and other essentials.
Phase II	People often refer to the years 1921–1951 as the time of steady population expansion. The mortality rate decreased as a result of national improvements in sanitation and health. Additionally, a stronger communication and transportation infrastructure enhanced the distribution system. This phase saw higher growth than the preceding one because the crude birth rate remained high. In light of the Great Depression, the 1920s, and World War II, this is astounding.
Phase III	India saw a population boom during the years 1951–1981, which was attributed to a sharp decline in mortality rates coupled with high fertility rates. The annual growth rate was, on average, up to 2.2%. The introduction of developmental activities through a centralized planning process and the emergence of the economy during this post-independence period ensured an improvement in the general public’s living conditions. As a result, there was a substantial natural increase and rapid growth. In addition, the rapid growth rate was influenced by rising foreign migration, which brought in Tibetans, Bangladeshis, Nepalis, and even people from Pakistan.
Phase IV	Although the country’s population growth rate remained strong from 1981 to the present, it has started to slow. A decline in the crude birth rate is believed to be the cause of this population growth. An increase in the average marriage age and better living conditions, particularly for women in the nation, had an impact on this.

Read about Factors affecting the distribution of Population here!

Way Forward

There are several government policies that have been implemented in order to provide education and other skills in order to reduce migration and make population distribution even.

• National Youth Policy 2014
• National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015

India was the first nation in the world to introduce a national program in 1952 that placed a strong emphasis on family planning to the amount required to lower birth rates and stabilize the population at a level compatible with the needs of the national economy.

The decreased population growth rate has undoubtedly been aided by improved awareness and standard of living with an emphasis on education. India’s growth rate has been slowed down by various population policies that emphasize population development above punitive measures.

Read about the effects of scarcity of water in India here!

Conclusion

No one factor can be held fully accountable for the distribution of population and increase of populations, whether they are sparse or densely populated. The majority of the elements covered in this subject interact with one another and frequently act in concert. Technology advancements have made it possible for humans to reside in previously inaccessible locations. Many people have been forced to relocate due to the world’s rapid population expansion to inhospitable areas with inadequate natural resources. People frequently do not have the choice of where they must reside. Before the Industrial Revolution and the ensuing urbanization, physical considerations governed population distribution; nonetheless, these networks of transportation and communication were expanded. These changes affected the distribution of the population. In this regard, the population density map that is now displayed is the result of historical accumulation.

We hope all your doubts regarding the topic “Distribution of Population” are addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides comprehensive notes for UPSC, including different competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its products, like content pages, live tests, GK and current affairs, mocks, and so on. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App!

Previous Year UPSC Questions on Population Distribution

Q1. Empowering women is the key to controlling population growth”. Discuss (150 words) (2019)

Q2. Population and associated issues: Poverty and developmental issues, COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (2020)

Q3. Critically examine whether a growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. (2015)

Q4. Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. 2013

Q5. The Central Government frequently complains about the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating the suffering of the vulnerable sections of society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of the population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate. (2013)

Q6. “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016)