CBSE Class 12 Geography Fundamentals of Human Geography: Chapter 3 Population Composition NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This chapter delves into the crucial aspects of Population Composition for Class 12 Geography, as per NCERT guidelines. It breaks down the key elements that define a population's structure, including age, sex, and place of residence (rural-urban). The solutions explain the significance of age-specific population groups, particularly the working-age population and its impact on economic development. It also clarifies how the sex ratio is calculated and what factors influence it, such as migration patterns. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the differences between rural and urban lifestyles and how development and industrialization drive urbanization. These detailed solutions are designed to help students grasp complex demographic concepts, answer exam questions effectively, and revise the chapter thoroughly for their board examinations.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Geography Fundamentals of Human Geography
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 3

Chapter summary

Chapter 3 of NCERT's Fundamentals of Human Geography focuses on Population Composition. The solutions cover the essential components of population structure: age, sex, and rural-urban distribution. Students will learn about the significance of the age-sex pyramid, the calculation and influencing factors of the sex ratio, and the characteristics differentiating rural and urban populations. The exercises provide clear explanations for these demographic concepts, aiding in understanding population dynamics.

Learning outcomes

Understand the concept of population composition and its components.
Explain the significance of age structure in population analysis.
Describe how the sex ratio is measured and what factors affect it.
Differentiate between rural and urban population characteristics.
Analyze the impact of migration and development on population distribution.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Population Composition
Age Structure
Working Age Population
Ageing Population
Sex Ratio
Measurement of Sex Ratio
Factors Affecting Sex Ratio
Rural-Urban Composition
Rural-Urban Differences
Impact of Development on Population
Industrialization and Urbanization
Population Dynamics

Important topics

Significance of Age Structure
Sex Ratio Calculation and Influences
Rural vs. Urban Population Characteristics
Impact of Migration on Population Composition
Understanding Population Pyramids (implied)

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Questions and Solutions

1. Multiple Choice Questions

(i) Which one of the following has caused the sex ratio of the United Arab Emirates to be low?

Selective migration of male working population
High birth rate of males
Low birth rate of females
High out migration of females

Solution: The sex ratio in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is significantly influenced by economic factors. The UAE has a large expatriate workforce, predominantly composed of males who migrate for employment opportunities in sectors like construction and services. This selective migration of a large male working population leads to a higher number of males compared to females, resulting in a low sex ratio (fewer females per 1000 males). The other options are not the primary drivers of the UAE's low sex ratio.

Answer: (a) Selective migration of male working population

(ii) Which one of the following figures represents the working age group of the population? (in years)

15-65 years
15-54 years
15-66 years
15-59 years

Solution: The working age group of a population is generally considered to be the segment of individuals who are economically productive. This group typically includes people who are capable of working and contributing to the economy. Demographers and international organizations commonly define this age bracket as being between 15 and 59 years old. This classification is crucial for analyzing labor force potential and planning economic strategies.

Answer: (d) 15-59 years

(iii) Which one of the following countries has the highest sex ratio in the world?

Latvia
United Arab Emirates
Japan
France

Solution: A high sex ratio indicates that there are more females than males in a population. Among the given options, Latvia is known to have one of the highest sex ratios globally. This demographic feature is often associated with factors such as higher male mortality rates due to certain causes (like accidents or lifestyle diseases) and longer life expectancy for females.

Answer: (a) Latvia

2. Short Answer Questions (approx. 30 words)

(i) What do you understand by population composition?

Solution: Population composition refers to the description of a country's people based on various characteristics. It includes the diversity found in the population concerning age, sex, and place of residence. Understanding these elements helps in analyzing the population's structure and its implications for society and the economy.

(ii) What is the significance of age-structure?

Solution: Age structure, which represents the distribution of people across different age groups, is a vital component of population composition. A large proportion of individuals in the 15-59 age group signifies a substantial working population, contributing to economic productivity. Conversely, a high percentage of people over 60 years indicates an ageing population, requiring increased healthcare and social support expenditure.

(iii) How is sex ratio measured?

Solution: The sex ratio is a measure that indicates the number of females per unit number of males in a population. Globally, it is typically calculated as the number of males per thousand females. The formula is:

$Sex ratio = \frac{\text{No. of males}}{\text{No. of females}} \times 1000$

However, in some countries, like India, the calculation is reversed, measuring the number of females per thousand males:

$Sex ratio = \frac{\text{No. of females}}{\text{No. of males}} \times 1000$

3. Long Answer Questions (not more than 150 words)

(i) Describe the rural-urban composition of the population.

Solution: The rural-urban composition divides the population based on their place of residence, reflecting differences in livelihood and social conditions. Rural areas are generally characterized by a higher proportion of people engaged in primary activities (like agriculture), while urban areas typically have a majority involved in secondary and tertiary sectors. The degree of development and industrialization significantly influences this composition. As countries progress, there is a noticeable shift of population from rural to urban areas due to increased non-primary employment opportunities and the expansion of urban lifestyles. The specific criteria for classifying settlements as rural or urban vary across different countries.

Common mistakes

Confusing the standard global sex ratio calculation with country-specific variations.
Not fully grasping the economic implications of different age group proportions.
Overlooking the influence of non-primary activities on rural-urban migration.
Misinterpreting the criteria used to classify settlements as rural or urban.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the definitions and significance of age structure and sex ratio.
Pay close attention to the formulas and examples provided for calculating the sex ratio.
Compare and contrast the characteristics of rural and urban populations.
Review the factors that influence population composition, such as migration and development.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary reason for the low sex ratio in the United Arab Emirates?

Q2. Which age group is typically considered the working population?

Q3. Which country is noted for having one of the highest sex ratios globally?

Q4. What does a high proportion of the population above 60 years indicate?

Q5. How is the sex ratio commonly calculated globally?

Frequently asked questions

What is population composition?

Population composition refers to the characteristics of a population, such as its age, sex, and place of residence (rural or urban), which collectively describe the diversity and structure of the people living in a particular area.

Why is the age structure of a population important?

The age structure is significant because it indicates the proportion of people in different age groups. A large working-age population (15-59 years) suggests economic potential, while a high proportion of older individuals signifies greater healthcare needs.

How is the sex ratio calculated?

Globally, the sex ratio is calculated as the number of males per thousand females. However, some countries, like India, calculate it as the number of females per thousand males.

What factors can lead to a low sex ratio in a region?

A low sex ratio can be caused by factors such as selective migration of male workers (common in many developing economies), high birth rates of males, or high out-migration of females.

What are the main differences between rural and urban populations?

Rural populations are typically engaged in primary activities and have different lifestyles and social conditions compared to urban populations, who are often involved in secondary and tertiary sectors and experience higher levels of development and urbanization.

How does development affect the rural-urban composition?

As a country develops, more people tend to engage in non-primary activities, leading to a shift from rural to urban areas. Industrialization also contributes by creating new towns and transforming agrarian areas into urban centers.

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