Quantitative, Qualitative and Temporal characteristics of Population of himachal pradesh
Population growth is one of the important indicators of the level of socio-economic development because it is the level of socio-economic development that determines the rate of population at any given time. Population growth is defined as the change in the numbers of a population over a specific time period through the process of natural increase or through the combined operation of natural increase and migration.
The state of Himachal Pradesh has come to witness a rapid growth of its population since 1971; the year state was recognized as full-fledged state of India. Within a span of forty years the population of the state has more than doubled. However, it is heartening to not that during these years; the state has also made remarkable strides on socio-economic front leading the state to figure its name among the best performing states in demographic evolution. It is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the nature of population growth in the state during 2001-2011.
The total population of 2011 Census, have reported that the total population of Himachal Pradesh was 68,64,602 persons which figure was higher by 7,86,702 persons than that of 2001. Census. In percentage terms, the population of the state has increased on an average rate of 12.94 percent. The corresponding national average during the same decade was 17.64 percent.
Population Density
The density of population reflects the ratio between the population and the area of any region. The population density in the state is 109 persons per Sq. Kms. in 2001 census against 93 persons per Sq. Km. in 1991 census further rising to 123 persons/sq. km in 2011. Thus there is net addition of 16 persons per Sq. Km. in the state during the decade 1991-2001. The density of population in H.P. is very low when compared to the national average of 324 persons per Sq. Km. .Only district Hamirpur has a higher density of population when compared to the national average.
Himachal Pradesh Religious Data
Hinduism is majority religion in state of Himachal Pradesh with 95.17 % followers. Islam is second most popular religion in state of Himachal Pradesh with approximately 2.18 % following it. In Himachal Pradesh state, Christinity is followed by 0.18 %, Jainism by 0.03 %, Sikhism by 1.16 % and Buddhism by 1.16 %. Around 0.01 % stated ‘Other Religion’, approximately 0.12 % stated ‘No Particular Religion’.