Population Notes: Class 9 Geography Chapter 6
Class 9 Geography Chapter 6 covers Population Size and Distribution, Population Growth and Processes of Change, Characteristics of Population, and National Population Policy (NPP).
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. Population Size, Distribution & Density
Short Note:
• Census: An official enumeration of population done periodically (every 10 years in India).
• Population Density: Number of persons per unit area (calculated per sq. km). India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
• Uneven Distribution: Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state, while Sikkim has a small population. Densely populated areas include the Northern Plains and Kerala, whereas hilly and arid regions (e.g., Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh) have low density.
2. Population Growth & Processes of Change
Short Note:
• Processes of Population Change: Birth Rate, Death Rate, and Migration.
• Birth Rate ($BR$): Number of live births per 1,000 people in a year.
• Death Rate ($DR$): Number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.
• Natural Growth Rate: Difference between birth rate and death rate ($Natural \ Growth = BR - DR$).
• Migration: Movement of people across regions/territories. Can be Internal (within country, shifts demographic distribution) or International (between countries, alters population size).
3. Age Composition, Literacy, Health & NPP
Short Note:
• Age Composition: Grouped into Children (<15 yrs, dependent), Working Age (15–59 yrs, economically active), and Aged (60+ yrs, dependent).
• Sex Ratio: Number of females per 1,000 males in the population.
• Literacy Rate: According to Census, a person aged 7 and above who can read and write with understanding in any language is considered literate.
• National Population Policy (NPP 2000): Aims at free and compulsory education up to age 14, reducing infant mortality rate, achieving universal immunization, and promoting delayed marriage for girls.
Intext & Conceptual Questions
| Population Growth | Population Change |
|---|---|
| Refers specifically to the increase in the number of inhabitants of a region during a specific period. | Refers to the overall modification in the size, structure, and distribution of population (increase or decrease). |
| Expressed in absolute numbers or as a percentage per annum. | Influenced by Birth rate, Death rate, and Migration patterns. |
1. Topography & Terrain: Flat fertile plains (like Ganga plains) attract high density, whereas rugged mountains (like Himalayas) have low density.
2. Climate: Moderate rainfall and pleasant temperatures favor settlement, whereas extreme hot or cold deserts hinder population growth.
3. Economic Development: Industrial hubs, urban centers, and availability of jobs attract higher populations due to migration.
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
(a) Literate (b) Graduate (c) Intelligent (d) Educated
Answer: (a) Literate
(ii) Migrations change the number, distribution and composition of the population in:
(a) the area of departure (b) the area of arrival (c) both the area of departure and arrival (d) none of the above
Answer: (c) both the area of departure and arrival
(iii) A large proportion of children in a population is a result of:
(a) high birth rates (b) high life expectancies (c) high death rates (d) more married couples
Answer: (a) high birth rates
(iv) The magnitude of population growth refers to:
(a) total population of an area (b) the number of persons added each year (c) the rate at which population increases (d) number of females per 1000 males
Answer: (b) the number of persons added each year
1. Free & Compulsory Education: Imparting school education free up to 14 years of age.
2. Healthcare Targets: Reducing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to below 30 per 1,000 live births.
3. Universal Immunization: Achieving 100% immunization of children against all vaccine-preventable diseases.
4. Adolescent Focus: Promoting delayed marriage for girls and addressing nutritional needs and risks of adolescents.
1. No Change in Overall Size: Internal migration does not alter the total population of the country.
2. Redistribution: It alters the geographic distribution of population across urban and rural sectors.
3. Demographic Shift: Rural-to-urban migration often increases the working-age male population in cities while leaving more dependent populations in rural origin areas.