UPSC Prelims 2003 Q100: Geography – Population & Demography
Which among the following countries has the largest population?
- (a) Indonesia
- (b) Japan
- (c) Pakistan
- (d) Sudan
Answer: (a) Indonesia
Explanation
Largest population among the countries
| Country | Population (about 2002) |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | About 210 million, the largest |
| Pakistan | About 148 million |
| Japan | About 127 million |
| Sudan | About 33 million |
Among the four countries, Indonesia has the largest population at about 210 million, ahead of Pakistan, Japan and Sudan in that order.
Answer: (a) Indonesia.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Indonesia had about 210 million people.
- (b) Incorrect. Japan had about 127 million people.
- (c) Incorrect. Pakistan had about 148 million people.
- (d) Incorrect. Sudan had about 33 million people.
Key point
Population ranks 2002: China, India, USA, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Russia, Bangladesh, Japan.
Remember
Indonesia has the largest population among these four countries.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Pakistan because of South Asian density.
- Forgetting that Indonesia is the fourth most populous country.
- Choosing Japan for its development.
Exam tip
Indonesia: fourth most populous country.
Sources
- United Nations Population Division — World Population Prospects: The 2002 Revision
- Population Reference Bureau — 2002 World Population Data Sheet