State and explain the factors affecting the distribution of population in India
Answers
The main factors determining population distribution are : climate, landforms, topography, soil, energy
and mineral resources, accessibility like distance from sea coast, natural harbours, navigable rivers or
canals, cultural factors, political boundaries, controls on migration and trade, government policies, types
of economic activities, technology including type of farming and transportation facilities, social
organization and but not the least, demographic factors like changes in natural increase and migration.
Adverse physical conditions and lack of sufficient opportunities for means of livelihood have been
mainly responsible for discouraging inhabitation in certain areas. Climatic conditions are perhaps the
most important of all the geographic influences on population distribution. Apart from physical factors
several social, demographic, economic, political and historical factors affect population distribution.
Factors affecting the distribution of population in India:
1. Topography: The density of population is more in plains when compared to plateaus and mountains as these are more suitable for living conditions.
2. Climate: Climate plays a very crucial role in determining the density of population of a region. Density is very low in places with extreme climatic conditions such as deserts and himalayan regions.
3. Soil: Another factor which affects distribution of population in India is soil. India being an agricultural country, have higher density of population in areas with fertile soil.
4. Water: No doubt regions around river valleys and water sources will be highly populated not only in India but in any part of the world.
5. Transportation: Areas with dense network of transportation are densely populated compared to areas with poor means of transportation.
6. Minerals: Places with availability of minerals are more populated, Chhota Nagpur Plateau being one such example.
7. Industries: Industrial regions attract more population as they provide employment opportunities.
Apart from these, social, economic and cultural factors also affect the distribution of population in India.