According to the Census year 2011, which of the following States of India had the lowest density of population?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

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.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) One of the smaller north-eastern states by area, but comparatively densely settled — its 2011 density was far higher than Arunachal Pradesh's.  (c) Also hilly and sparsely populated, but with a smaller land area than Arunachal Pradesh, giving it a higher density.  (d) A hilly north-eastern state with moderate density — again higher than Arunachal Pradesh's.

Concept: 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.

State PCS 2024 Q80 — Geography PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2024 Q80 — Geography PYQ with Answer