World Population & Urbanization (Part – I)

Total Questions: 50

11. Which one of the following is the theme of the World Population Day, 2015? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2013]

Correct Answer: (b) Vulnerable populations in emergencies
Solution:World Population Day (WPD) is observed on July 11 every year all over the world. The theme of WPD-2015 was "Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies'. The theme of 'World Population Day, 2023' was 'Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities'.
  • With the world population now surpassing 8.2 billion, the day highlights the importance of sustainable development, equitable access to resources, reproductive rights, and gender equality.
  • World Population Day 2025 Theme: 'Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world".
    World Population Day History
  • WPD was established by the then-Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989, following the global interest generated by "Five Billion Day" on 11 July 1987, when the world's population reached 5 billion.
  • Dr KC Zachariah, a senior demographer at the World Bank, suggested that this day be commemorated.
  • In December 1990, the UN General Assembly decided to keep celebrating WPD annually to promote understanding of population issues and how they connect to the environment and development.
  • The first WPD was celebrated on July 11, 1990, in over 90 countries.

12. About 50% of the world population is concentrated between the latitudes of: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998, IAS (Pre) 1997]

Correct Answer: (b) 20°N and 40° N
Solution:If we go through the world map, we would find that between 20°N and 40°N, the main parts of most populous countries of the world like China, India, USA and the countries of Southern Europe, North Africa and Central Asia are situated. In this 003 area above 50% of the world population is concentrated.

13. The 'New Population Bomb' refers to: [I.A.S. (Pre) 1993]

Correct Answer: (b) rapidly growing urban population in the Third World
Solution:In the Third World, as the process of development is Ding progressing, the rate of urbanization is also showing an increasing trend and their urban population is increasing 017 rapidly. This rapidly growing urban population in the Third World has been called the 'New Population Bomb'.

Indian Scenario

  • As of 2022, more than half the world's population lives in Asia, China and India being the two most populous countries with more than 1.4 billion people each.
  • According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), while India's population growth is stablising, it is "still growing at 0.7% per year" and is set to surpass China in 2023 as the world's most populous country.
  • UNFPA has noted that India has its largest ever adolescent and youth population.
  • According to UNFPA projections, India will continue to have one of the youngest populations in the world till 2030 and is currently experiencing a demographic window of opportunity, a "youth bulge" that will last till 2025.

14. What percentage of the total population of the world resides in India as estimated in the year 2011? [U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) 17.5
Solution:As per Census 2011, the estimated percentage of India's  population in the world's population was 17.5 percent. According to the 'World Population Prospects 2022', the total population of the world is estimated at about 8 billion in the year 2022 (projected to reach at this milestone on 15 November, 2022) and it is projected to increase to 8.5 billion, 9.7 billion and 10.4 billion by the year 2030, 2050 and 2100, respectively. The world's population is projected to reach a peak of around 10.4 billion during the 2080s and to remain at that level until 2100. The estimated population of India and China in the year 2022 was more than1.4 billion each and India surpassed China as the world's most populous country in mid-2023. As per UNFPA's 'State of World Population 2024', estimated population of India and China in 2024 is 1441.7 million and 1425.2 million, respectively.

15. The percentage of India's population in the total population of the world as per 2011 Census is: [U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2016]

Correct Answer: (a) 17.31
Solution:As per Census 2011, India's population is 17.5 percent of the world's population. Hence, option (a) can be considered as the closest correct answer.

Indian Scenario

  • As of 2022, more than half the world's population lives in Asia, China and India being the two most populous countries with more than 1.4 billion people each.
  • According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), while India's population growth is stablising, it is "still growing at 0.7% per year" and is set to surpass China in 2023 as the world's most populous country.
  • UNFPA has noted that India has its largest ever adolescent and youth population.
  • According to UNFPA projections, India will continue to have one of the youngest populations in the world till 2030 and is currently experiencing a demographic window of opportunity, a "youth bulge" that will last till 2025.

16. According to the World Bank, the world's population is: [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2003]

Correct Answer: (b) 6.5 billion
Solution:As per the World Bank data, the World Population was around 6.5 billion in the year 2005. As per 'World Population Prospects 2022', the world's population is estimated to in- crease from about 8 billion in 2022 to 9.7 billion by 2050. As per UNFPA's 'State of World Population 2024', estimated world population is 8,119 million in 2024.

Key Highlights of UNFPA State of the World Population 2025:

1. Global Population Trends: World population stands at 8.2 billion; growth has slowed but disparities remain between high-income and low-income countries.
2. Fertility Crisis Redefined: The real crisis is unmet fertility goals-not just overpopulation or underpopulation, but denial of reproductive choice.
3. Reproductive Agency: Emphasis on individual rights to decide freely on reproduction, contraception, and timing of childbirth.
4. Demographic Dividend: Over 60% of the world's population is in the 15-64 age group, offering a productivity window.
5. Ageing Population Concern: Global elderly population (65+) is growing rapidly, requiring focused health and pension reforms.
6. Youth Bulge in LMICS: Low- and middle-income countries (like India, Nigeria) have large youth populations with untapped potential.
7. Gender & Fertility Gaps: Women's education and autonomy significantly influence fertility patterns and gaps persist in access to healthcare & contraception.

17. According to the United Nations, in 2050, the estimated population of the world will be: [U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl.) (Mains) 2010]

Correct Answer: (d) 10.00 billion (kharab)
Solution:As per the World Bank data, the World Population was around 6.5 billion in the year 2005. As per 'World Population Prospects 2022', the world's population is estimated to in- crease from about 8 billion in 2022 to 9.7 billion by 2050. As per UNFPA's 'State of World Population 2024', estimated world population is 8,119 million in 2024.

Key Highlights of UNFPA State of the World Population 2025:

1. Global Population Trends: World population stands at 8.2 billion; growth has slowed but disparities remain between high-income and low-income countries.
2. Fertility Crisis Redefined: The real crisis is unmet fertility goals-not just overpopulation or underpopulation, but denial of reproductive choice.
3. Reproductive Agency: Emphasis on individual rights to decide freely on reproduction, contraception, and timing of childbirth.
4. Demographic Dividend: Over 60% of the world's population is in the 15-64 age group, offering a productivity window.
5. Ageing Population Concern: Global elderly population (65+) is growing rapidly, requiring focused health and pension reforms.
6. Youth Bulge in LMICS: Low- and middle-income countries (like India, Nigeria) have large youth populations with untapped potential.
7. Gender & Fertility Gaps: Women's education and autonomy significantly influence fertility patterns and gaps persist in access to healthcare & contraception.

18. As per World statistics 2008, what approximate percentage of world population lives in Asia? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (a) 61%
Solution:As per World Statistics 2008, about 61 percent of the world's population was living in Asia. As per the latest estimates, about 59 to 60 percent of the total global population lives in Asia in 2023.

Key Highlights of UNFPA State of the World Population 2025:

1. Global Population Trends: World population stands at 8.2 billion; growth has slowed but disparities remain between high-income and low-income countries.
2. Fertility Crisis Redefined: The real crisis is unmet fertility goals-not just overpopulation or underpopulation, but denial of reproductive choice.
3. Reproductive Agency: Emphasis on individual rights to decide freely on reproduction, contraception, and timing of childbirth.
4. Demographic Dividend: Over 60% of the world's population is in the 15-64 age group, offering a productivity window.
5. Ageing Population Concern: Global elderly population (65+) is growing rapidly, requiring focused health and pension reforms.
6. Youth Bulge in LMICS: Low- and middle-income countries (like India, Nigeria) have large youth populations with untapped potential.
7. Gender & Fertility Gaps: Women's education and autonomy significantly influence fertility patterns and gaps persist in access to healthcare & contraception.

19. Which of the following countries has the largest population? [U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]

Correct Answer: (c) Indonesia
Solution:As per the question period and at present Indonesia has the highest population among the given countries. According to UNFPA's 'State of World Population 2024', the world's five most populous countries In, 2024 are as follows: India > China > USA > Indonesia > Pakistan.

Key Highlights of UNFPA State of the World Population 2025:

1. Global Population Trends: World population stands at 8.2 billion; growth has slowed but disparities remain between high-income and low-income countries.
2. Fertility Crisis Redefined: The real crisis is unmet fertility goals-not just overpopulation or underpopulation, but denial of reproductive choice.
3. Reproductive Agency: Emphasis on individual rights to decide freely on reproduction, contraception, and timing of childbirth.
4. Demographic Dividend: Over 60% of the world's population is in the 15-64 age group, offering a productivity window.
5. Ageing Population Concern: Global elderly population (65+) is growing rapidly, requiring focused health and pension reforms.
6. Youth Bulge in LMICS: Low- and middle-income countries (like India, Nigeria) have large youth populations with untapped potential.
7. Gender & Fertility Gaps: Women's education and autonomy significantly influence fertility patterns and gaps persist in access to healthcare & contraception.

20. Arrange the following countries of the world in descending order of their population size. [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Pre) 2008]

1. Brazil

2. Indonesia

3. Nigeria

4. Pakistan

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Code:

Correct Answer: (d) 2, 1, 4, 3
Solution:As per the question period option (d) was the correct answer. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report 'State of World Population 2024', estimated population of the given countries in 2024 are as follows:
CountryPopulation 2024 (in million)
Brazil217.6
Indonesia279.8
Nigeria229.2
Pakistan245.2

Hence, as per the latest data, the correct descending order is: Indonesia > Pakistan > Nigeria > Brazil.