Regional variation in population growth
Topic: Population of India: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 1 "Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition"
Meaning
Regional variation in population growth means that different states grow at different speeds. In 1991-2001, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry and Goa grew by no more than 20%. A belt from Gujarat and Rajasthan, through Punjab, Haryana, UP, MP and Bihar, to West Bengal and Assam grew by 20-25%. In 2001-11 almost every state slowed. Andhra Pradesh slowed the least (3.5 points) and Maharashtra the most (6.7 points). Tamil Nadu and Puducherry grew faster instead. These gaps shape migration, jobs and the share of resources each state gets.
Example
Kerala, on the south-western coast, had the lowest growth in India in 1991-2001 (9.4%).
Don't confuse with
- North-south fertility divide: that compares children per woman (TFR). This concept compares how fast the total population grows, which also depends on deaths and migration.
Related concepts
- North-south fertility divide
- National Population Policy 2000
- Infant mortality rate
- Maternal mortality ratio