RAS question
According to Census 2011, which state has the lowest population density among major states?
Correct answer: (A) Arunachal Pradesh (17 per sq km).
According to Census 2011, Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density among Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Rajasthan and Mizoram, at 17 persons per sq km.
Explanation
Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest Census 2011 population density among these major states, at only 17 persons per sq km. The Ministry of Home Affairs table for North Eastern states gives Arunachal Pradesh a population of 13,83,727 and an area of 83,743 sq km, which explains why its density is so low: a relatively small population is spread across a large territory. The Ministry of Home Affairs table places Mizoram at 52 persons per sq km and Sikkim at 86 persons per sq km, both above Arunachal Pradesh. Rajasthan has a density of 200 persons per sq km, far higher than Arunachal Pradesh's 17.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Sikkim is not the lowest because its Census 2011 density is 86 persons per sq km, which is five times Arunachal Pradesh's 17.
- (C) Rajasthan cannot be the lowest because its density is 200 persons per sq km, well above Arunachal Pradesh's 17.
- (D) Mizoram has a low population density by Indian state standards, but its density of 52 persons per sq km is still higher than Arunachal Pradesh's 17.
Concept
Census-based population density comparisons are central to Indian geography. RAS repeatedly uses population density because it links population distribution with area, terrain and regional geography.