UPSC Prelims 2002 Q76: Geography – Population & Demography
Consider the following countries of South Asia:
1. Bangladesh
2. India
3. Pakistan
4. Sri Lanka
The descending order of literacy among these countries is
- (a) 4, 2, 1, 3
- (b) 2, 4, 3, 1
- (c) 4, 2, 3, 1
- (d) 2, 4, 1, 3
Answer: (c) 4, 2, 3, 1
Explanation
Descending order of literacy among South Asian countries
| Country | Adult literacy around 2001 |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | About 92%, the highest in South Asia |
| India | About 65% (Census 2001) |
| Pakistan | About 44-49% |
| Bangladesh | About 41-43%, the lowest of the four |
Sri Lanka has by far the highest literacy rate, followed by India, then Pakistan, with Bangladesh at the bottom. The descending order is Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, which is 4, 2, 3, 1.
Answer: (c) 4, 2, 3, 1.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It puts Bangladesh above Pakistan, which reverses their order.
- (b) Incorrect. It puts India above Sri Lanka, though Sri Lanka leads.
- (c) CORRECT. Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh.
- (d) Incorrect. It puts India above Sri Lanka and Bangladesh above Pakistan.
Key point
South Asia literacy around 2001: Sri Lanka > India > Pakistan > Bangladesh (Maldives is also high, near 96%).
Remember
Sri Lanka leads South Asia in literacy; Bangladesh and Pakistan trail.
Common mistakes
- Placing India above Sri Lanka because of its size and IT image.
- Ranking Bangladesh above Pakistan on recent gains.
- Mixing adult literacy with enrolment ratios.
Exam tip
Start with Sri Lanka at the top; only options (a) and (c) do that.
Sources
- Census of India 2001
- UNDP Human Development Report 2001