Page 1 - Sub Topic5-LN

SAI International School
Grade-IX, Sub: Geography

Ch6- Population
Sub Topic5-Characteristics or qualities of the Population
(Literacy, Occupational structure, Health)

Sub-topics Lesson Notes

Characteristi Literacy rates
cs or • Literacy is a very important quality of a population. Only an informed and
qualities of educated citizen can make intelligent choices and undertake research and
the development projects for country’s development. Low levels of literacy are a
Population serious obstacle for economic improvement.
(Literacy,
Occupational • According to the Census of 2011, a person aged 7 years and above who can read
structure, and write with understanding in any language, is treated as literate. Low levels of
Health )-Pg. literacy are a serious obstacle for economic improvement.
No- 59, 60
• The literacy rate in the country as per the Census of 2011 is 73 per cent; 80.9 per
cent for males and 64.6 percent for females.

Occupational Structure

• The distribution of the population according to different types of occupation is
referred to as the occupational structure.

• Occupations are generally classified into three categories:

→ Primary activities (related to land): It includes agriculture, animal husbandry,
forestry, fishing, mining and quarrying etc.

→ Secondary activities (related to industry): It includes manufacturing industry,
building and construction work etc.

→ Tertiary activities (related to services): include transport, communications,
commerce, administration and other services.

• Developed nations have a high proportion of people in secondary and tertiary
activities while developing nations have a higher proportion of their workforce
engaged in primary activities.

• In India, about 64 percent of the population is engaged only in agriculture. 13