UPSC Prelims 2004 Q133: Geography – Population & Demography
Consider the following statements: As per 2001 Census
1. The two States with the lowest sex ratio are Haryana and Punjab.
2. The two States with the lowest population per sq km of area are Meghalaya and Mizoram.
3. Kerala has both the highest literacy rate and sex ratio.
Which of these statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 3 only
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 2
- (d) 1 and 3
Answer: (d) 1 and 3
Explanation
Census 2001: sex ratio, density and literacy
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Haryana and Punjab have the lowest sex ratios among States | True — 861 and 874 |
| 2. Meghalaya and Mizoram have the lowest density | False: the lowest are Arunachal Pradesh (13) and Mizoram (42) |
| 3. Kerala has the highest literacy and sex ratio | True — literacy 90.9%, sex ratio 1058 |
Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Answer: (d) 1 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
- (d) CORRECT. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Key point
Census 2001: Kerala 1058 females per 1000 males, 90.9 percent literacy; lowest density Arunachal Pradesh.
Remember
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have the lowest population density.
Common mistakes
- Naming Meghalaya as a low density State.
- Forgetting that Delhi (821) is a UT, not a State.
- Mixing literacy rank with sex ratio rank.
Exam tip
Lowest density: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim.
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