CBSE-CLASS-XII SERIES Geography
Population Distribution And Density
12 previous year questions.
Volume: 12 Ques
Yield: Medium
High-Yield Trend
12
2025 Chapter Questions 12 MCQs
01
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Analyse the main features of the composition of working population in India.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
The composition of the working population in India can be analyzed based on the following features:
- Agricultural Workforce: A significant proportion of India's working population is engaged in agriculture, particularly in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for around 50\% of the total workforce. However, this sector is gradually declining due to mechanization and urban migration.
- Informal Sector: A large section of Indiaβs working population is employed in the informal or unorganized sector. This includes workers in small shops, construction, and domestic work, where job security and social benefits are minimal.
- Industrial and Service Sectors: With economic growth, there has been a shift from agriculture to industry and services. The industrial sector employs around 30\% of the workforce, while the service sector is growing rapidly, with sectors such as information technology, finance, and telecommunications offering new employment opportunities.
- Gender Disparity: The participation of women in the workforce is lower compared to men, and much of it is concentrated in low-paying and informal jobs. Gender inequality remains a major challenge in improving the overall composition of the workforce.
- Youth Employment: The working population in India has a significant proportion of young people, with a large number of them seeking employment in urban areas. However, the youth unemployment rate remains a challenge.
The composition of Indiaβs working population reflects the ongoing transition from an agrarian to an industrial and service-based economy, with challenges related to employment quality and equity.
- Agricultural Workforce: A significant proportion of India's working population is engaged in agriculture, particularly in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for around 50\% of the total workforce. However, this sector is gradually declining due to mechanization and urban migration.
- Informal Sector: A large section of Indiaβs working population is employed in the informal or unorganized sector. This includes workers in small shops, construction, and domestic work, where job security and social benefits are minimal.
- Industrial and Service Sectors: With economic growth, there has been a shift from agriculture to industry and services. The industrial sector employs around 30\% of the workforce, while the service sector is growing rapidly, with sectors such as information technology, finance, and telecommunications offering new employment opportunities.
- Gender Disparity: The participation of women in the workforce is lower compared to men, and much of it is concentrated in low-paying and informal jobs. Gender inequality remains a major challenge in improving the overall composition of the workforce.
- Youth Employment: The working population in India has a significant proportion of young people, with a large number of them seeking employment in urban areas. However, the youth unemployment rate remains a challenge.
The composition of Indiaβs working population reflects the ongoing transition from an agrarian to an industrial and service-based economy, with challenges related to employment quality and equity.
02
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Analyse the rural-urban characteristics of Indian population.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
Indiaβs population exhibits a significant rural-urban divide, with characteristics unique to each area. The analysis of these characteristics highlights several trends:
- Rural Population Characteristics: Indiaβs rural areas are primarily agricultural, with people dependent on farming for livelihood. Rural populations have lower access to education, healthcare, and other services compared to urban areas. Additionally, rural areas experience high levels of poverty and limited infrastructure development.
- Urban Population Characteristics: The urban population in India is increasingly diverse, with people migrating from rural areas seeking employment and better living conditions. Urban areas have better access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as services, manufacturing, and technology. However, urban areas also face challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.
- Migration Trends: There has been significant migration from rural to urban areas in search of better job opportunities, better living standards, and improved quality of life. This migration has led to rapid urbanization, with more than 30\% of Indiaβs population now living in cities.
In conclusion, while urban areas offer more economic opportunities, the rural-urban divide remains a significant challenge for inclusive development in India.
- Rural Population Characteristics: Indiaβs rural areas are primarily agricultural, with people dependent on farming for livelihood. Rural populations have lower access to education, healthcare, and other services compared to urban areas. Additionally, rural areas experience high levels of poverty and limited infrastructure development.
- Urban Population Characteristics: The urban population in India is increasingly diverse, with people migrating from rural areas seeking employment and better living conditions. Urban areas have better access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as services, manufacturing, and technology. However, urban areas also face challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.
- Migration Trends: There has been significant migration from rural to urban areas in search of better job opportunities, better living standards, and improved quality of life. This migration has led to rapid urbanization, with more than 30\% of Indiaβs population now living in cities.
In conclusion, while urban areas offer more economic opportunities, the rural-urban divide remains a significant challenge for inclusive development in India.
03
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Analyse the growth of population in India since 1921.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
India has witnessed significant population growth since 1921, driven by various socio-economic factors. Key stages of this growth include:
1. Early Growth (1921-1950): India's population grew slowly due to high mortality rates and lower life expectancy during this period.
2. Post-Independence Growth (1950-1980): After independence, Indiaβs population growth surged due to improved healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.
3. Modern Growth (1980-Present): The population continued to grow rapidly, although the growth rate has slowed in recent decades due to family planning policies and urbanization.
4. Urbanization and Migration: A significant shift from rural to urban areas has contributed to increased population density in cities.
1. Early Growth (1921-1950): India's population grew slowly due to high mortality rates and lower life expectancy during this period.
2. Post-Independence Growth (1950-1980): After independence, Indiaβs population growth surged due to improved healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.
3. Modern Growth (1980-Present): The population continued to grow rapidly, although the growth rate has slowed in recent decades due to family planning policies and urbanization.
4. Urbanization and Migration: A significant shift from rural to urban areas has contributed to increased population density in cities.
04
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
With respect to adolescent population, analyse the challenges of Indian society.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
Indiaβs adolescent population faces various challenges that impact their social and economic development. These challenges include:
1. Educational Barriers: Access to quality education remains a challenge, especially for girls and children in rural areas.
2. Health Issues: Adolescent health concerns, such as malnutrition and lack of proper healthcare services, are widespread.
3. Social Pressures: Adolescents face immense academic pressure and social expectations, leading to stress and mental health issues.
4. Substance Abuse: Rising rates of substance abuse among adolescents are a growing concern in urban areas.
5. Child Marriage: Child marriage continues to be a significant issue in rural regions, affecting adolescent girlsβ education and health.
1. Educational Barriers: Access to quality education remains a challenge, especially for girls and children in rural areas.
2. Health Issues: Adolescent health concerns, such as malnutrition and lack of proper healthcare services, are widespread.
3. Social Pressures: Adolescents face immense academic pressure and social expectations, leading to stress and mental health issues.
4. Substance Abuse: Rising rates of substance abuse among adolescents are a growing concern in urban areas.
5. Child Marriage: Child marriage continues to be a significant issue in rural regions, affecting adolescent girlsβ education and health.
05
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Examine three stages of demographic transition theory.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
The demographic transition theory explains the changes in population dynamics through four stages:
1. Stage 1 β Pre-industrial Society: This stage is characterized by high birth rates and high death rates. The population remains relatively stable due to limited medical care, frequent famine, and high infant mortality. People often have many children to offset the high mortality rate.
2. Stage 2 β Early Industrialization: In this stage, death rates begin to fall due to improvements in medical care, sanitation, and food production. However, birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth. This stage is typically seen during early industrialization in many countries.
3. Stage 3 β Late Industrialization: Both birth rates and death rates begin to decline as industrialization continues, education improves, and families have fewer children. Population growth slows down and becomes more controlled.
4. Stage 4 β Post-Industrial Society: In the final stage, both birth rates and death rates are low, resulting in a stable or slowly growing population. This stage is observed in highly developed countries with good healthcare, high standards of living, and smaller family sizes.
The demographic transition theory helps explain the evolution of population growth as societies move through different stages of economic development and social change.
1. Stage 1 β Pre-industrial Society: This stage is characterized by high birth rates and high death rates. The population remains relatively stable due to limited medical care, frequent famine, and high infant mortality. People often have many children to offset the high mortality rate.
2. Stage 2 β Early Industrialization: In this stage, death rates begin to fall due to improvements in medical care, sanitation, and food production. However, birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth. This stage is typically seen during early industrialization in many countries.
3. Stage 3 β Late Industrialization: Both birth rates and death rates begin to decline as industrialization continues, education improves, and families have fewer children. Population growth slows down and becomes more controlled.
4. Stage 4 β Post-Industrial Society: In the final stage, both birth rates and death rates are low, resulting in a stable or slowly growing population. This stage is observed in highly developed countries with good healthcare, high standards of living, and smaller family sizes.
The demographic transition theory helps explain the evolution of population growth as societies move through different stages of economic development and social change.
06
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Examine the role of climate, water availability, and soil fertility on the distribution of world population.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
The distribution of the worldβs population is greatly influenced by environmental factors such as climate, water availability, and soil fertility:
- Climate: Mild climates are conducive to human settlement as extreme climates (either too hot or too cold) limit the growth of human populations. Tropical regions with warm climates tend to support dense populations due to favorable conditions for agriculture.
- Water Availability: Proximity to water sources like rivers, lakes, and oceans is crucial for the survival of large populations. Water is needed for drinking, irrigation, and industrial activities. Areas around major rivers like the Nile, Ganges, and Amazon support large populations.
- Soil Fertility: Fertile soil is essential for agriculture, which sustains large human populations. Regions with rich soil, such as river deltas and plains (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic plain), are densely populated due to their ability to support high agricultural productivity.
Thus, areas with favorable climate, abundant water, and fertile soil tend to attract higher populations, while harsh or arid regions experience lower population densities.
- Climate: Mild climates are conducive to human settlement as extreme climates (either too hot or too cold) limit the growth of human populations. Tropical regions with warm climates tend to support dense populations due to favorable conditions for agriculture.
- Water Availability: Proximity to water sources like rivers, lakes, and oceans is crucial for the survival of large populations. Water is needed for drinking, irrigation, and industrial activities. Areas around major rivers like the Nile, Ganges, and Amazon support large populations.
- Soil Fertility: Fertile soil is essential for agriculture, which sustains large human populations. Regions with rich soil, such as river deltas and plains (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic plain), are densely populated due to their ability to support high agricultural productivity.
Thus, areas with favorable climate, abundant water, and fertile soil tend to attract higher populations, while harsh or arid regions experience lower population densities.
07
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Analyse the main features of the composition of working population in India.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
The composition of the working population in India can be analyzed based on the following features:
- Agricultural Workforce: A significant proportion of India's working population is engaged in agriculture, particularly in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for around 50\% of the total workforce. However, this sector is gradually declining due to mechanization and urban migration.
- Informal Sector: A large section of Indiaβs working population is employed in the informal or unorganized sector. This includes workers in small shops, construction, and domestic work, where job security and social benefits are minimal.
- Industrial and Service Sectors: With economic growth, there has been a shift from agriculture to industry and services. The industrial sector employs around 30\% of the workforce, while the service sector is growing rapidly, with sectors such as information technology, finance, and telecommunications offering new employment opportunities.
- Gender Disparity: The participation of women in the workforce is lower compared to men, and much of it is concentrated in low-paying and informal jobs. Gender inequality remains a major challenge in improving the overall composition of the workforce.
- Youth Employment: The working population in India has a significant proportion of young people, with a large number of them seeking employment in urban areas. However, the youth unemployment rate remains a challenge.
The composition of Indiaβs working population reflects the ongoing transition from an agrarian to an industrial and service-based economy, with challenges related to employment quality and equity.
- Agricultural Workforce: A significant proportion of India's working population is engaged in agriculture, particularly in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for around 50\% of the total workforce. However, this sector is gradually declining due to mechanization and urban migration.
- Informal Sector: A large section of Indiaβs working population is employed in the informal or unorganized sector. This includes workers in small shops, construction, and domestic work, where job security and social benefits are minimal.
- Industrial and Service Sectors: With economic growth, there has been a shift from agriculture to industry and services. The industrial sector employs around 30\% of the workforce, while the service sector is growing rapidly, with sectors such as information technology, finance, and telecommunications offering new employment opportunities.
- Gender Disparity: The participation of women in the workforce is lower compared to men, and much of it is concentrated in low-paying and informal jobs. Gender inequality remains a major challenge in improving the overall composition of the workforce.
- Youth Employment: The working population in India has a significant proportion of young people, with a large number of them seeking employment in urban areas. However, the youth unemployment rate remains a challenge.
The composition of Indiaβs working population reflects the ongoing transition from an agrarian to an industrial and service-based economy, with challenges related to employment quality and equity.
08
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Analyse the rural-urban characteristics of Indian population.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
Indiaβs population exhibits a significant rural-urban divide, with characteristics unique to each area. The analysis of these characteristics highlights several trends:
- Rural Population Characteristics: Indiaβs rural areas are primarily agricultural, with people dependent on farming for livelihood. Rural populations have lower access to education, healthcare, and other services compared to urban areas. Additionally, rural areas experience high levels of poverty and limited infrastructure development.
- Urban Population Characteristics: The urban population in India is increasingly diverse, with people migrating from rural areas seeking employment and better living conditions. Urban areas have better access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as services, manufacturing, and technology. However, urban areas also face challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.
- Migration Trends: There has been significant migration from rural to urban areas in search of better job opportunities, better living standards, and improved quality of life. This migration has led to rapid urbanization, with more than 30\% of Indiaβs population now living in cities.
In conclusion, while urban areas offer more economic opportunities, the rural-urban divide remains a significant challenge for inclusive development in India.
- Rural Population Characteristics: Indiaβs rural areas are primarily agricultural, with people dependent on farming for livelihood. Rural populations have lower access to education, healthcare, and other services compared to urban areas. Additionally, rural areas experience high levels of poverty and limited infrastructure development.
- Urban Population Characteristics: The urban population in India is increasingly diverse, with people migrating from rural areas seeking employment and better living conditions. Urban areas have better access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as services, manufacturing, and technology. However, urban areas also face challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.
- Migration Trends: There has been significant migration from rural to urban areas in search of better job opportunities, better living standards, and improved quality of life. This migration has led to rapid urbanization, with more than 30\% of Indiaβs population now living in cities.
In conclusion, while urban areas offer more economic opportunities, the rural-urban divide remains a significant challenge for inclusive development in India.
09
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Analyse the growth of population in India since 1921.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
India has witnessed significant population growth since 1921, driven by various socio-economic factors. Key stages of this growth include:
1. Early Growth (1921-1950): India's population grew slowly due to high mortality rates and lower life expectancy during this period.
2. Post-Independence Growth (1950-1980): After independence, Indiaβs population growth surged due to improved healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.
3. Modern Growth (1980-Present): The population continued to grow rapidly, although the growth rate has slowed in recent decades due to family planning policies and urbanization.
4. Urbanization and Migration: A significant shift from rural to urban areas has contributed to increased population density in cities.
1. Early Growth (1921-1950): India's population grew slowly due to high mortality rates and lower life expectancy during this period.
2. Post-Independence Growth (1950-1980): After independence, Indiaβs population growth surged due to improved healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.
3. Modern Growth (1980-Present): The population continued to grow rapidly, although the growth rate has slowed in recent decades due to family planning policies and urbanization.
4. Urbanization and Migration: A significant shift from rural to urban areas has contributed to increased population density in cities.
10
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
With respect to adolescent population, analyse the challenges of Indian society.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
Indiaβs adolescent population faces various challenges that impact their social and economic development. These challenges include:
1. Educational Barriers: Access to quality education remains a challenge, especially for girls and children in rural areas.
2. Health Issues: Adolescent health concerns, such as malnutrition and lack of proper healthcare services, are widespread.
3. Social Pressures: Adolescents face immense academic pressure and social expectations, leading to stress and mental health issues.
4. Substance Abuse: Rising rates of substance abuse among adolescents are a growing concern in urban areas.
5. Child Marriage: Child marriage continues to be a significant issue in rural regions, affecting adolescent girlsβ education and health.
1. Educational Barriers: Access to quality education remains a challenge, especially for girls and children in rural areas.
2. Health Issues: Adolescent health concerns, such as malnutrition and lack of proper healthcare services, are widespread.
3. Social Pressures: Adolescents face immense academic pressure and social expectations, leading to stress and mental health issues.
4. Substance Abuse: Rising rates of substance abuse among adolescents are a growing concern in urban areas.
5. Child Marriage: Child marriage continues to be a significant issue in rural regions, affecting adolescent girlsβ education and health.
11
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Examine three stages of demographic transition theory.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
The demographic transition theory explains the changes in population dynamics through four stages:
1. Stage 1 β Pre-industrial Society: This stage is characterized by high birth rates and high death rates. The population remains relatively stable due to limited medical care, frequent famine, and high infant mortality. People often have many children to offset the high mortality rate.
2. Stage 2 β Early Industrialization: In this stage, death rates begin to fall due to improvements in medical care, sanitation, and food production. However, birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth. This stage is typically seen during early industrialization in many countries.
3. Stage 3 β Late Industrialization: Both birth rates and death rates begin to decline as industrialization continues, education improves, and families have fewer children. Population growth slows down and becomes more controlled.
4. Stage 4 β Post-Industrial Society: In the final stage, both birth rates and death rates are low, resulting in a stable or slowly growing population. This stage is observed in highly developed countries with good healthcare, high standards of living, and smaller family sizes.
The demographic transition theory helps explain the evolution of population growth as societies move through different stages of economic development and social change.
1. Stage 1 β Pre-industrial Society: This stage is characterized by high birth rates and high death rates. The population remains relatively stable due to limited medical care, frequent famine, and high infant mortality. People often have many children to offset the high mortality rate.
2. Stage 2 β Early Industrialization: In this stage, death rates begin to fall due to improvements in medical care, sanitation, and food production. However, birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth. This stage is typically seen during early industrialization in many countries.
3. Stage 3 β Late Industrialization: Both birth rates and death rates begin to decline as industrialization continues, education improves, and families have fewer children. Population growth slows down and becomes more controlled.
4. Stage 4 β Post-Industrial Society: In the final stage, both birth rates and death rates are low, resulting in a stable or slowly growing population. This stage is observed in highly developed countries with good healthcare, high standards of living, and smaller family sizes.
The demographic transition theory helps explain the evolution of population growth as societies move through different stages of economic development and social change.
12
PYQ 2025
medium
geography ID: cbse-cla
Examine the role of climate, water availability, and soil fertility on the distribution of world population.
Official Solution
Correct Option: (1)
The distribution of the worldβs population is greatly influenced by environmental factors such as climate, water availability, and soil fertility:
- Climate: Mild climates are conducive to human settlement as extreme climates (either too hot or too cold) limit the growth of human populations. Tropical regions with warm climates tend to support dense populations due to favorable conditions for agriculture.
- Water Availability: Proximity to water sources like rivers, lakes, and oceans is crucial for the survival of large populations. Water is needed for drinking, irrigation, and industrial activities. Areas around major rivers like the Nile, Ganges, and Amazon support large populations.
- Soil Fertility: Fertile soil is essential for agriculture, which sustains large human populations. Regions with rich soil, such as river deltas and plains (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic plain), are densely populated due to their ability to support high agricultural productivity.
Thus, areas with favorable climate, abundant water, and fertile soil tend to attract higher populations, while harsh or arid regions experience lower population densities.
- Climate: Mild climates are conducive to human settlement as extreme climates (either too hot or too cold) limit the growth of human populations. Tropical regions with warm climates tend to support dense populations due to favorable conditions for agriculture.
- Water Availability: Proximity to water sources like rivers, lakes, and oceans is crucial for the survival of large populations. Water is needed for drinking, irrigation, and industrial activities. Areas around major rivers like the Nile, Ganges, and Amazon support large populations.
- Soil Fertility: Fertile soil is essential for agriculture, which sustains large human populations. Regions with rich soil, such as river deltas and plains (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic plain), are densely populated due to their ability to support high agricultural productivity.
Thus, areas with favorable climate, abundant water, and fertile soil tend to attract higher populations, while harsh or arid regions experience lower population densities.