UPSC Prelims 2008 Q109: Geography – Population & Demography
Among the following, which one has the minimum population on the basis of data of
Census of India, 2001?
- (a) Chandigarh
- (b) Mizoram
- (c) Puducherry
- (d) Sikkim
Answer: (d) Sikkim
Explanation
Which has the minimum population (2001 Census) among these four
Among these Union Territories and small states, one has the smallest overall population.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Chandigarh | Incorrect | Population (~900,000) is higher than the smallest among these four |
| (b) Mizoram | Incorrect | Population (~890,000) is also higher than the smallest |
| (c) Puducherry | Incorrect | Population (~974,000) is the highest among these four |
| (d) Sikkim | Correct | Sikkim's population (~540,000) was the smallest among these four, per the 2001 Census |
2001 Census population (approximate, among these four):
| Entity | Approx. population |
|---|---|
| Sikkim | ~540,000 (smallest) |
| Mizoram | ~890,000 |
| Chandigarh | ~900,000 |
| Puducherry | ~974,000 |
Answer: (d) Sikkim.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Chandigarh's population is higher than Sikkim's.
- (b) Incorrect. Mizoram's population is also higher than Sikkim's.
- (c) Incorrect. Puducherry's population is the highest among these four.
- (d) CORRECT. Sikkim had the smallest population among these four, per the 2001 Census.
Key point
Among Chandigarh, Mizoram, Puducherry, and Sikkim, SIKKIM had the minimum population per the 2001 Census.
Remember
Sikkim has the minimum population among Chandigarh, Mizoram, Puducherry, and Sikkim (2001 Census).
Common mistakes
- Assuming a smaller Union Territory (Chandigarh) must have a smaller population than a full state (Sikkim).
- Not knowing the approximate 2001 Census population figures for these specific small states/UTs.
- Confusing population size with geographic/political size.
Exam tip
Among these four, Sikkim had the minimum population (2001 Census), despite being a full state rather than a smaller Union Territory.
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