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UPSC Prelims 2003 · Indian Geography · People and Settlements
Which amongst the following States has the highest population density as per Census2001?
- (a) Kerala
- (b) Madhya Pradesh
- (c) Uttar Pradesh
- (d) West Bengal
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) West Bengal
West Bengal had the highest density among these (904).
The idea
The density leader depends on the census year and the set of places being compared. A large population does not guarantee the highest density, because area is also in the denominator. Read this as a Census 2001 comparison of the four listed States.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Kerala was 819 per km².
(b) MP was 196.
(c) UP was 689.
The trap
Kerala feels crowded, but West Bengal was denser.
Also know
As of Census 2001, West Bengal was the densest State; as of Census 2011, Bihar held that position. Union Territories must be considered separately when a question says States. Urban districts can have much higher density than their State average.
🔒 Density 2001: West Bengal 904; 2011: Bihar 1,106 highest.
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