UPSC Prelims 2003 Q147: Geography – Population & Demography
Which amongst the following States has the highest population density as per Census
2001?
- (a) Kerala
- (b) Madhya Pradesh
- (c) Uttar Pradesh
- (d) West Bengal
Answer: (d) West Bengal
Explanation
> Note for students: Bihar's density (about 880) was second to West Bengal's overall, but it is not among the options; choose (d) West Bengal.
State with the highest population density (Census 2001)
| State | Density per sq km |
|---|---|
| West Bengal | 904, the highest of the four |
| Kerala | 819 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 689 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 196 |
Among the options, West Bengal had the highest density in Census 2001, at 904 persons per sq km (Bihar's 880 was second overall).
Answer: (d) West Bengal.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Kerala's density was 819.
- (b) Incorrect. Madhya Pradesh's density was 196.
- (c) Incorrect. Uttar Pradesh's density was 689.
- (d) CORRECT. West Bengal had 904 per sq km.
Key point
Census 2001 density: West Bengal 904, Bihar 880, Kerala 819, UP 689; India 324.
Remember
West Bengal had the highest density among these States in 2001.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Kerala for its crowded coast.
- Choosing UP for the largest population.
- Mixing density with total population.
Exam tip
Density is population per sq km, not total population.
Sources
- Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India — Census of India 2001: Provisional Population Totals
- NCERT Class XII Geography — India: People and Economy — Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition