Top 10 Most Densely Populated States in India

The population is commonly defined as the number of people living in a particular area. The term is used in various subjects, although the concept of a population remains the same in every subject, the application and the details of the definition change. For example, the term population in biology is used to define the number of organisms belonging to the same species in a particular geographical area who are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile progeny. Whereas the term, when used in the context of social science or particularly in the study of demographics, refers to the number of individuals that lives in a particular city, state or nation and are considered to be the citizens of the place.

The article describes the top 10 most densely populated states in India, the article also deals with the definition and description of the parameter of density and its importance. The method of calculation of the population density is also mentioned in the article.

What is Population Density?

Since we have developed an understanding of the term population, we can define the term population density. Population density is referred to the number of individuals residing per square kilometre of the given area, which can be a block, district, state or country. Population density serves as important indices of the census. The trends in population density are studied by researchers to help develop efficient models and plans to provide better development opportunities for such areas. In layman’s terms, population density can be described as the parameter that indicates the concentration of the population. 

Trends in Population Density

As we have understood the concept of density, we can now understand the general trends seen in population density from the census reports published by the government of India. The population density of the state has seen a sharp decrease from the census reports of 2011 compared to the census reports of 2001. The population density of India has declined in the decade of 2001 to 2011, the rate of population growth during this decade is 17.5 percent mentioned by the census report published by the government of India, while the rate of population growth of the previous decade that is 1901 to 2001 was 21.7 percent. Needless to say that the population density of the country and states of the country has increased significantly from the year of independence in 1947, but the decline in the population growth is seen in the last decade.

The population density of the nation is calculated as 382 persons per square kilometre. India is also designated among the most densely populated countries in the world. India ranks among the 31st in the list of densely populated countries. India contributes about 17.5 percent of the population of the world while the country only accounts for 2.4 percent of the total area in the world. 

The densely populated states in India are a matter of great concern, the dense population has a great impact on the natural resources. High population density also has an adverse effect on the quality of life. The difference in population density among the most densely populated states in India is because of the differences in climatic conditions, availability of resources etc. The list of the top 10 most densely populated states in India is mentioned below.

The List of Top 10 Most Densely Populated States

The list contains the list of both union territory and states of the densely populated area. According to the census report published by the government of India in 2011, the state of Bihar is the most densely populated state of India, while the union territory is the most densely populated union territory of India. The table mentioned below is according to the census of 2011, contains the list of the 10 most densely populated states in India.

Calculation of Population Density

Population density is defined as the number of people per unit area. There are various methods of calculating the population density, some of them are mentioned below.

Arithmetic Density

It is defined as the total number of inhabitants divided by the area of the land. The area is calculated in kilometres or square miles. 

Urban Density 

It is defined as the number of people residing in the metropolitan area, which is divided by the total area of the metropolitan region. 

Ecological Optimum 

Ecological optimum can be described as the density of the population, which can be supported by the natural resources without disrupting the ecological balance of the natural reserves.

Physiological Density

The physiological density is defined as the ratio of the total number of individuals divided by the total area of productive farming land.

Agricultural Density

Agricultural density is especially important for a country like India, which has a vastly agricultural-based economy. It is defined as the ratio of the total agrarian population divided by the total area of productive farming land.

Residential density

It is defined as the ratio of the number of individuals inhabiting a metropolitan region and the area of housing space.

Chronological Order of Population Density of India

The table consists of the density of the population and the absolute increase in the population each year. This comparative study helps to develop a better understanding of the trends of the population density in India.

In conclusion of the article, it is evident that population density is an important parameter of a population study. Bihar is the most densely populated state in India, while Delhi is the most densely populated union territory of India, according to the census report published by the government of India in 2011.