Which of the following state has the highest population density ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The correct answer is Bihar. Population density is calculated as the number of people living per square kilometer of area. According to the 2011 Census of India, Bihar is the state with the highest population density, recorded at 1,106 persons per square kilometer. This extremely high density is a result of several factors, including its fertile Gangetic plains which support a large, agrarian population, historical settlement patterns, and limited urbanization combined with high birth rates. The concentration of the population in this relatively smaller geographical area puts significant pressure on land, resources, and public infrastructure, making Bihar a critical case study in demographic pressure in India.

The incorrect option is 2 (W. Bengal): West Bengal is also a densely populated state, largely due to its fertile land and historical economic importance. However, its density (1,028 persons per square kilometer as per 2011 Census) is slightly lower than that of Bihar, placing it second among the major states.

The incorrect option is 3 (Kerala): Kerala is known for high literacy and development indicators, and while its population density is high (860 persons per square kilometer), it is significantly lower than Bihar and West Bengal. Kerala's high density is driven by a ribbon-like settlement pattern across its narrow geography.

The incorrect option is 4 (Uttar Pradesh): Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India overall. However, because of its vast geographical size, its population density (829 persons per square kilometer) is lower than Bihar's. The density is spread across a much larger area compared to the extremely concentrated population in Bihar.