According to the Census year 2011, which of the following States of India had the lowest density of population?
- (a)Tripura
- (b)Arunachal Pradesh
- (c)Mizoram
- (d)Meghalaya
Correct — B, Arunachal Pradesh. As per Census 2011, Arunachal Pradesh recorded the lowest population density of any Indian state (about 17 persons per km²) — its rugged, heavily forested Himalayan terrain combined with a small total population spread across a large area keeps its density far below Tripura's, Mizoram's or Meghalaya's.
- (a)Tripura — One of the smaller north-eastern states by area, but comparatively densely settled — its 2011 density was far higher than Arunachal Pradesh's.
- (c)Mizoram — Also hilly and sparsely populated, but with a smaller land area than Arunachal Pradesh, giving it a higher density.
- (d)Meghalaya — A hilly north-eastern state with moderate density — again higher than Arunachal Pradesh's.
Population density (persons per km²) depends on both total population and land area. Arunachal Pradesh combines the largest area among the north-eastern states with one of the smallest populations, and its terrain — high Himalayan mountains and dense forest — further restricts settlement, giving it India's lowest state-level population density.
The trap is assuming all north-eastern hill states share similarly low densities — Arunachal Pradesh's density is dramatically lower than its neighbours because its area is unusually large relative to its small population.
- Arunachal Pradesh recorded India's lowest state-level population density as per Census 2011 (about 17 persons per km²).
- Arunachal Pradesh is the largest north-eastern state by area but among the smallest by population.
- Its terrain — high Himalayan ranges and dense forest cover — restricts habitable and cultivable land.
- Bihar, by contrast, recorded India's highest state-level density in Census 2011.
Arunachal Pradesh's large area and small population give it India's lowest state-level density.
- Assuming any small north-eastern hill state automatically has the lowest density — Arunachal Pradesh's is far lower than its neighbours because of its unusually large area
- Confusing 'lowest density' with 'lowest total population' — these are different measures
MPPSC/UPSC frequently test Census density rankings (highest/lowest state) — pin the actual state name to the superlative rather than a vague 'north-east is sparse' assumption.
Which one of the following States of India has the lowest density of population?
- (a) Himachal Pradesh
- (b) Meghalaya
- (c) Arunachal Pradesh
- (d) Sikkim
Answer(c) Arunachal Pradesh
Tests the same core fact directly — Arunachal Pradesh has India's lowest state-level population density — just with a different set of comparison states.
- practice — not a real PYQ
As per Census 2011, which Indian state recorded the highest population density?
- (a)Bihar
- (b)West Bengal
- (c)Kerala
- (d)Uttar Pradesh
Answer(a) Bihar — it recorded the highest state-level population density in Census 2011.
- practice — not a real PYQ
Which of the following north-eastern states has the largest area?
- (a)Arunachal Pradesh
- (b)Assam
- (c)Meghalaya
- (d)Manipur
Answer(a) Arunachal Pradesh — the largest of the north-eastern states by area, which (with its small population) is why it has the lowest density.