The characteristics of a population provide insights into its structure, composition, and distribution, which are essential for understanding the socio-economic dynamics of a country. In India, these characteristics are diverse and influenced by a variety of factors.
1. Age Structure
Definition: The age structure of a population refers to the distribution of people across different age groups.
India’s Age Structure:
- Young Population: India has a predominantly young population. Approximately 27% of the population is under the age of 15, and around 65% is between the ages of 15 and 64.
- Working-Age Population: The large proportion of people in the working-age group (15-64 years) is often referred to as the demographic dividend, which has the potential to boost economic growth if effectively harnessed.
- Elderly Population: About 8% of the population is aged 65 and above, a proportion that is gradually increasing as life expectancy rises.
Example: In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the proportion of young people is particularly high, contributing to a dynamic but also challenging demographic scenario with significant needs in education, employment, and health services.
2. Sex Ratio
Definition: The sex ratio is the number of females per 1,000 males in a population.
India’s Sex Ratio:
- National Average: As of the 2011 Census, India’s sex ratio was approximately 940 females for every 1,000 males.
- Regional Variations: There are significant regional variations. States like Kerala have a higher sex ratio (1,084 females per 1,000 males), while states like Haryana have a lower sex ratio (877 females per 1,000 males).
Example: Kerala’s higher sex ratio is attributed to better health care, higher literacy rates, and progressive social norms, whereas Haryana’s lower sex ratio is often linked to socio-cultural practices like a preference for male children.
3. Literacy Rate
Definition: The literacy rate measures the percentage of people aged 7 and above who can read and write with understanding.
India’s Literacy Rate:
- National Average: According to the 2011 Census, India’s literacy rate was about 74%, with male literacy at 82% and female literacy at 65%.
- Urban vs. Rural: Urban areas typically have higher literacy rates compared to rural areas due to better access to educational facilities.
- State Variations: States like Kerala have a very high literacy rate (96.2%), while states like Bihar have lower literacy rates (61.8%).
Example: Kerala’s emphasis on education and robust public schooling system has resulted in near-universal literacy, whereas Bihar’s literacy challenges are linked to historical underinvestment in education and socio-economic disparities.
4. Population Density
Definition: Population density is the number of people living per unit area, usually per square kilometer.
India’s Population Density:
- National Average: As of 2021, India’s average population density is approximately 464 people per square kilometer.
- High-Density Areas: States like Bihar (1,106 people per square kilometer) and West Bengal (1,029 people per square kilometer) have very high population densities.
- Low-Density Areas: States like Arunachal Pradesh (17 people per square kilometer) and Sikkim (86 people per square kilometer) have low population densities.
Example: Bihar’s high population density is due to its fertile land and historical significance as a cultural center, while Arunachal Pradesh’s low density is due to its mountainous terrain and dense forests.
5. Urbanization
Definition: Urbanization refers to the increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas compared to rural areas.
India’s Urbanization:
- Urban Population: As of 2021, around 35% of India’s population lives in urban areas, up from 17% in 1951.
- Mega Cities: India has several megacities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata, each with populations exceeding 10 million.
- Urban Growth: Rapid urbanization is driven by migration from rural areas in search of better employment opportunities, education, and living standards.
Example: Mumbai is India’s largest city and a major economic hub, attracting millions of migrants from across the country, leading to a high population density and significant urban sprawl.
6. Migration
Definition: Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, either within a country (internal migration) or between countries (international migration).
Migration in India:
- Internal Migration: Significant internal migration occurs from rural to urban areas and from less developed regions to more developed regions. For example, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are major sources of migrants to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
- International Migration: India has a large diaspora, with millions of Indians living abroad, particularly in the Middle East, North America, and Europe.
Example: The migration of people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Delhi has significantly increased the population of the National Capital Region (NCR), putting pressure on infrastructure and services.
Conclusion
The characteristics of India’s population are shaped by a combination of demographic, social, economic, and geographic factors. Understanding these characteristics is essential for effective policy-making and planning. The examples of Kerala, Bihar, Mumbai, and the National Capital Region illustrate how these factors play out in different contexts, highlighting the diversity and complexity of India’s demographic landscape.
