NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 1 Population Distribution Density Growth and Composition

1. Choose the right answers of the followings from the given options.

(i) India’s population as per 2011 census is :

• (a) 1028 million
• (b) 3182 million
• (c) 3287 million
• (d) 1210 million

Answer: (d) 1210 million.

(ii) Which one of the following states has the highest density of population in India?

• (a) West Bengal
• (b) Kerala
• (c) Uttar Pradesh
• (d) Bihar

Answer: (d) Bihar.

(iii) Which one of the following states has the highest proportion of urban population in India according to 2011 Census?

• (a) Tamil Nadu
• (b) Maharashtra
• (c) Kerala
• (d) Goa

Answer: (d) Goa.

(iv) Which one of the following is the largest linguistic group of India?

• (a) Sino – Tibetan
• (b) Indo – Aryan
• (c) Austric
• (d) Dravidian

Answer: (b) Indo – Aryan.

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Very hot and dry and very cold and wet regions of India have low density of population. In this light, explain the role of climate on the distribution of population.

Answer: Climate greatly influences population distribution. Regions that are very hot and dry (like deserts) or very cold and wet (like the Himalayas) are unfavorable for human habitation, leading to low population density. Comfortable climates attract larger populations due to better living conditions.

(ii) Which states have large rural population in India? Give one reason for such large rural population.

Answer: States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha have large rural populations. This is mainly due to the prevalence of agriculture as the primary occupation, leading most people to live in villages close to farmlands.

(iii) Why do some states of India have higher rates of work participation than others?

Answer: States with higher work participation have more availability of employment opportunities or require more manual labor, such as in agriculture or industrial sectors. Level of economic development and social factors also influence work participation rates.

(iv) ‘The agricultural sector has the largest share of Indian workers.’ – Explain.

Answer: Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood in India, especially in rural areas. A significant portion of the population depends on farming and related activities because of limited industrialization and urban job opportunities in many regions.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(i) Discuss the spatial pattern of density of population in India.

Answer: India’s population density varies widely across states and regions. The Northern Plains, deltas, and coastal regions have high densities due to fertile soils, favorable climate, and access to water, supporting agriculture and settlements.

Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh have particularly high densities. Conversely, hilly regions like Arunachal Pradesh and the Himalayan states, as well as dry regions such as Rajasthan, have low population densities because the harsh terrain and climate impede large-scale habitation and agricultural activity.

Union Territories like Delhi have exceptionally high densities due to urbanization. Factors such as industrial growth, urbanization, and migration also lead to regional variations. In summary, the spatial pattern is shaped by physical, social, and economic factors, leading to a highly uneven population distribution in India.

(ii) Give an account of the occupational structure of India’s population.

Answer: The occupational structure of India is characterized by a majority of workers engaged in the primary sector, mainly agriculture. About 54.6% of the working population are cultivators and agricultural laborers. The secondary sector (household and non-household industries) employs a small percentage, while the tertiary sector (trade, transport, services) employs around 41.6%.

Over time, there has been a shift from agriculture to secondary and tertiary sectors due to industrialization and urbanization. Males are more involved in non-agricultural work compared to females, who are largely found in primary occupations. The regional variation is significant—states like Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland have large shares of cultivators, while in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Puducherry, non-farm workers dominate. Overall, though the agricultural workforce is declining, it still constitutes the largest share of Indian workers.

Master Population Distribution, Density & Growth for Class 12 Geography

Understanding the spatial distribution and density of population is essential in Geography Class 12 Chapter 1. These key concepts form the base for analyzing India’s regional disparities and population patterns for your board exams.

Practice NCERT-based questions on Population Growth and Composition to build a strong foundation. Focus on how historical trends, physical geography, and economic factors influence where people live and work across India’s diverse regions.

Review important tables and figures on workforce categories, linguistic groups, and religious composition. Consistent revision of these NCERT Solutions will help you clarify concepts and boost your exam performance in Class 12 Geography.