UPSC Prelims 2008 Q92: Geography – Population & Demography
Amongst the following States, which one has the highest percentage of rural population to
its total population (on the basis of the Census, 2001)?
- (a) Himachal Pradesh
- (b) Bihar
- (c) Orissa
- (d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (a) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation
State with the highest rural population percentage (2001 Census)
Among these four states, one has a particularly high share of its population living in rural areas.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Himachal Pradesh | Correct | Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population among these four states, per the 2001 Census |
| (b) Bihar | Incorrect | Also highly rural, but not the highest among these four |
| (c) Orissa | Incorrect | Also highly rural, but not the highest |
| (d) Uttar Pradesh | Incorrect | Significantly rural, but not the highest among these four |
Rural population share (2001 Census, among these four):
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest | Himachal Pradesh |
| Basis | Census, 2001 |
Answer: (a) Himachal Pradesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Himachal Pradesh has the highest rural population percentage among these four states.
- (b) Incorrect. Bihar's rural share, while high, is not the highest among these four.
- (c) Incorrect. Orissa's rural share is also not the highest.
- (d) Incorrect. Uttar Pradesh's rural share is also not the highest among these four.
Key point
Himachal Pradesh had the highest percentage of rural population among Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, and Uttar Pradesh, per the 2001 Census.
Remember
Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population among these four states (2001 Census).
Common mistakes
- Assuming a larger, more populous plains state (Bihar, UP) must have the highest rural percentage.
- Not knowing Himachal Pradesh's specific demographic profile, despite being a smaller hill state.
- Confusing total rural population numbers with rural population PERCENTAGE.
Exam tip
Himachal Pradesh had the highest rural population PERCENTAGE among these four states (2001 Census) — don't confuse percentage with absolute numbers.
Sources
- Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India — Census of India 2001: Provisional Population Totals
- Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India — Census of India 2001: Rural–Urban Distribution of Population