Demographics refer to the statistical characteristics of a population, including factors such as population size, distribution, density, age structure, and gender composition. Here’s an overview of key demographic aspects of India:
1. Population Size
- Current Population: As of 2023, India is the second-most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people.
- Growth Rate: India has experienced significant population growth over the decades, though the growth rate has been gradually declining.
2. Population Distribution
- Regional Distribution: Population is unevenly distributed across the country, with high concentrations in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. Urban areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata also have high population densities.
- Rural vs. Urban: Approximately 65% of the population lives in rural areas, while urbanization is increasing, with over 30% of the population residing in cities.
3. Population Density
- Density Variation: India has an average population density of around 450 people per square kilometer, but this varies widely by state and region. States like Bihar and West Bengal have much higher densities than larger states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
4. Age Structure
- Youthful Population: A significant portion of India's population is young, with a median age around 28 years. This youthful demographic can be an advantage for economic growth if harnessed properly.
- Aging Population: As life expectancy increases, the proportion of elderly individuals is also rising, leading to demographic shifts and potential challenges in healthcare and social security.
5. Gender Composition
- Sex Ratio: The sex ratio in India is approximately 940 females for every 1,000 males, influenced by cultural factors, gender bias, and socio-economic conditions. Efforts are ongoing to improve gender equity and address disparities.
6. Migration
- Internal Migration: Driven by factors such as employment, education, and urbanization. Many people migrate from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities.
- International Migration: India has a significant diaspora, with large communities in countries like the USA, UAE, Canada, and the UK, contributing to remittances and cultural exchange.
Recent Census of India (2011)
The most recent completed census in India was conducted in 2011. Here are key highlights from the 2011 Census:
1. Population
- Total Population: Approximately 1.21 billion.
- Growth Rate: The population grew by about 17.7% from the previous census in 2001.
2. Urban and Rural Distribution
- Urban Population: About 31.16% of the total population lived in urban areas.
- Rural Population: Approximately 68.84% resided in rural regions.
3. Sex Ratio
- Overall Sex Ratio: 940 females for every 1,000 males.
- Child Sex Ratio: 919 females for every 1,000 males in the age group 0-6 years.
4. Age Structure
- Youth Population: A significant portion of the population was in the age group of 0-14 years, accounting for about 29.5%.
- Elderly Population: Individuals aged 60 years and above comprised about 8.6%.
5. Literacy Rate
- Overall Literacy Rate: Approximately 74.04%.
- Male Literacy Rate: About 82.14%.
- Female Literacy Rate: Approximately 65.46%.
6. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- Scheduled Castes: Represented about 16.6% of the total population.
- Scheduled Tribes: Constituted about 8.6% of the population.
