World: Population & Urbanization

1. Sex ratio, in a population, is defined as the number of

Sex ratio, in a population, is defined as the number of

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females for every thousand males
females for every hundred males
males for every hundred females
males for every ten thousand females
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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
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Sex ratio in a population is defined as the number of females for every thousand males.
This metric is used to understand the balance between the male and female population in a given area or group.
In India, the sex ratio is typically calculated as the number of females per 1000 males. A ratio of 1000 indicates an equal number of males and females; a ratio below 1000 indicates fewer females than males, and vice versa.

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2. The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as :

The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as :

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the number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year.
the number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population.
the birth rate minus death rate.
the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age.
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The correct option is D.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a demographic measure defined as the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime if she were to experience the exact current age-specific fertility rates through her reproductive years, and survive through all those years. It represents the potential number of children born per woman.
Option A describes the Crude Birth Rate (CBR).
Option B is a simplified concept, but TFR is a theoretical construct based on population-wide age-specific rates, not an average of actual children born to specific couples or women who have completed their childbearing.
Option C describes the natural growth rate (or rate of natural increase), if expressed per 1000 people.
Option D accurately defines the Total Fertility Rate.
A TFR of approximately 2.1 is generally considered replacement level fertility, meaning that each generation is having just enough children to replace itself, accounting for mortality before the end of the reproductive years.

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3. Which one of the following is a pull factor for migration?

Which one of the following is a pull factor for migration?

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Natural disaster
High wage
Housing shortage
Low income
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UPSC CAPF – 2021
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A high wage in a potential destination is a pull factor for migration, as it attracts people seeking better economic opportunities and higher income than what is available in their current location.
Migration is often influenced by a combination of push factors and pull factors. Push factors are negative conditions or circumstances that compel people to leave a place, while pull factors are positive conditions or attractions that draw people to a place.
Natural disasters, housing shortages, and low income in the origin location are all examples of push factors, as they represent unfavorable conditions that might encourage people to leave. Pull factors contrast these by offering desirable conditions such as job availability, better services, higher education, political stability, or attractive climate.

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4. Broadly both birth and death rates are low in which one of the followi

Broadly both birth and death rates are low in which one of the following stages of demographic transition model?

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FRGY e
Early expanding stage
Late expanding stage
Low stationary stage
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UPSC CAPF – 2021
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In the Low Stationary Stage (Stage 4) of the demographic transition model, both birth rates and death rates are low. This results in a very low or zero rate of population growth.
The Demographic Transition Model describes the historical shift from high birth and death rates, found in agrarian societies, to low birth and death rates, found in industrialized societies. It typically involves four (or five) stages. Stage 1 has high birth and death rates. Stages 2 and 3 are characterized by declining death rates followed by declining birth rates, leading to population growth.
The Early Expanding Stage (Stage 2) has high birth rates and falling death rates, leading to rapid population growth. The Late Expanding Stage (Stage 3) has falling birth rates and continuing falling death rates, leading to slower population growth compared to Stage 2. The term “FRGY e” is not a standard stage in the model, likely a typo.

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5. Natural Population Change is calculated by

Natural Population Change is calculated by

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subtracting the death rate from the birth rate
multiplying the death rate with the birth rate
adding the death rate with the birth rate
subtracting the birth rate from the death rate
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UPSC CAPF – 2020
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Natural population change is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate.
Natural population change refers to the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths in a population over a specific period, usually expressed per 1,000 people per year or as a percentage.
Total population change also includes net migration (immigration minus emigration). Natural population change accounts only for the impact of births and deaths on population size.

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6. What do you mean by ‘Demographic Dividend’ ?

What do you mean by ‘Demographic Dividend’ ?

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A rise in the rate of economic growth due to a higher share of working age people in a population
A rise in the rate of literacy due to development of educational institutions in different parts of the country
A rise in the standard of living of the people due to the growth of alternative livelihood practices
A rise in the gross employment ratio of a country due to government policies
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UPSC CDS-2 – 2019
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Demographic dividend refers to the potential for economic growth that arises as a country undergoes demographic transition. During this transition, a country’s population structure shifts, resulting in a bulge in the proportion of the population in the working-age group (typically 15-64) relative to the dependent age groups (children and elderly). With a larger workforce and a smaller dependent population, there is a potential for increased productivity, savings, and investment, which can lead to accelerated economic growth, provided the workforce is healthy, educated, and gainfully employed.
Demographic dividend is the economic benefit derived from a favorable age structure characterized by a high proportion of working-age individuals.
Realizing the demographic dividend requires investments in health, education, and job creation. Without these investments, a large young population can become a liability (referred to as a “demographic burden”) rather than an asset.

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7. Which one of the following statements regarding sex composition is not

Which one of the following statements regarding sex composition is not correct ?

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In some countries, sex ratio is expressed as number of males per thousand females.
In India, sex ratio is expressed as number of females per thousand males.
At world level, sex ratio is about 102 males per 100 females.
In Asia, there is high sex ratio.
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UPSC CDS-2 – 2019
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Statement D is not correct regarding sex composition.
Sex ratio is a key demographic indicator. It can be expressed in different ways, and ratios vary globally and regionally.
A) In many countries (e.g., USA, China), sex ratio is expressed as the number of males per thousand females. This statement is correct.
B) In India, the sex ratio is traditionally expressed as the number of females per thousand males. This statement is correct.
C) According to demographic data, the world sex ratio is approximately 102 males per 100 females, meaning slightly more males than females globally. This statement is correct or very close to accepted figures.
D) The statement “In Asia, there is high sex ratio” is a broad generalization. While large and populous countries like China and India have sex ratios significantly skewed towards males (contributing to a higher average for the continent compared to the global average), sex ratios vary greatly across the Asian continent. Many countries in Asia have sex ratios near or below 100 (meaning roughly equal numbers or more females). Therefore, stating there is a “high sex ratio” across the entire continent is an oversimplification and not universally correct for all of Asia. It might be considered relatively higher than some other continents, but it’s not uniformly high across all Asian countries. This broad generalization makes the statement less accurate than the specific factual statements in A, B, and C.

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8. The phenomenon of ‘demographic dividend’ of a country relates to

The phenomenon of ‘demographic dividend’ of a country relates to

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a sharp decline in total population
an increase in working age population
a decline in infant mortality rate
an increase in sex ratio
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UPSC CDS-2 – 2017
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The phenomenon of ‘demographic dividend’ refers to the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, primarily when the proportion of the working-age population (usually 15 to 64 years) is larger than the non-working-age share of the population.
It is characterized by a bulge in the working-age population relative to dependents (children and elderly), leading to a potentially larger workforce and higher savings rate.
This demographic shift typically occurs during a country’s demographic transition when fertility rates decline, leading to fewer young dependents, and mortality rates decline, leading to increased life expectancy. A decline in total population or an increase in sex ratio are not the primary definitions of demographic dividend, although infant mortality decline contributes to the demographic transition that enables the dividend.

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9. Which of the following variable(s) is/are displayed in population pyra

Which of the following variable(s) is/are displayed in population pyramids?
1. Age-groups
2. Sex indicators (male and female)

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
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A population pyramid is a graphical representation of the distribution of a population by age and sex. The pyramid typically displays age groups vertically and separates males and females horizontally. Thus, both age groups and sex indicators are displayed.
A population pyramid visually depicts the age-sex structure of a population.
The shape of a population pyramid provides insights into the demographic history and future potential of a population, including birth rates, death rates, life expectancy, and migration patterns. A broad base indicates a high birth rate, while a narrow base suggests a low birth rate. A large proportion of older people suggests higher life expectancy.

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