India's population rose to 1.21 billion people over the last 10 years--an increase by 181 million, according to the new census released today, but significantly the growth is slower for the first time in nine decades.
The population, which accounts for world's 17.5% population, comprises 623.7 million males and 586.5 million females, said a provisional 2011 Census report. China is the most populous nation acounting for 19.4% of the global population.
The country's headcount is almost equal to the combined population of the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan put together, it said.
The population has increased by more than 181 million during the decade 2001-2011, the report said. The growth rate in 2011 is 17.64% in comparison to 21.15% in 2001.
The 2001-2011 period is the first decade -- with exception of 1911-1921 -- which has actually added lesser population compared to the previous decade, Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner of India C Chandramauli said in presence of Home Secretary Gopal K Pillai.
Among the states and Union territories, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state with 199 million people and Lakshadweep the least populated at 64,429.
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The combined population of UP and Maharashtra is bigger than that of the US.
The highest population density is in Delhi's north-east district (37,346 per sq km) while the lowest is in Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh (just one per sq km).
The Census indicated a continuing preference for male children over female children. The latest child sex ratio in is 914 female against 1,000 male--the lowest since Independence.
"This is a matter of grave concern," Chandramauli said.
According to the data, literates constitute 74% of the total population aged seven and above and illiterates form 26%.
The literacy rate has gone up from 64.83% in 2001 to 74.04% in 2011 showing an increase of 9.21%.