With reference to the patterns of population distribution in the world, consider the following statements: 1. The ten most populous countries of the world contribute nearly 80 % of the world’s population. 2. Broadly, 90 % of the world population lives in about 10 % of its land area. 3. Of the ten most populous countries, four are located in Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 only Explanation The population of the world is unevenly distributed across the globe. This unevenness is often summarized by the observation that "Asia has many places where people are few and few places where people are many." Understanding the spatial pattern of population density and distribution is fundamental to demography. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: It is a standard demographic fact that the distribution of the human population is highly skewed. Broadly, 90 % of the world's population lives in about 10 % of its land area. The remaining land area is either sparsely populated or uninhabited due to harsh climatic or geographical conditions. - Statement 2 is Correct: The ten most populous countries of the world contribute approximately 60 % of the world’s population, not 80 %. While these countries hold a majority, the figure 80 % is an exaggeration. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Of the ten most populous countries, six are located in Asia, not four. These Asian nations typically include China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, along with Russia (which is transcontinental but geographically holds a vast area in Asia) or Japan (in historical data contexts). Key Takeaway Global Population Skew: The world's population is concentrated in a very small percentage of habitable land, with the continent of Asia dominating the list of the most populous nations (hosting 6 out of the top 10).

NCERT Class 12 Geography — Chapter 1: The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth

mcqmedium

With reference to the patterns of population distribution in the world, consider the following statements:

The ten most populous countries of the world contribute nearly 80 % of the world’s population.
Broadly, 90 % of the world population lives in about 10 % of its land area.
Of the ten most populous countries, four are located in Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 only
C1 and 3 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The population of the world is unevenly distributed across the globe. This unevenness is often summarized by the observation that "Asia has many places where people are few and few places where people are many." Understanding the spatial pattern of population density and distribution is fundamental to demography.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: It is a standard demographic fact that the distribution of the human population is highly skewed. Broadly, 90 % of the world's population lives in about 10 % of its land area. The remaining land area is either sparsely populated or uninhabited due to harsh climatic or geographical conditions.
Statement 2 is Correct: The ten most populous countries of the world contribute approximately 60 % of the world’s population, not 80 %. While these countries hold a majority, the figure 80 % is an exaggeration.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Of the ten most populous countries, six are located in Asia, not four. These Asian nations typically include China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, along with Russia (which is transcontinental but geographically holds a vast area in Asia) or Japan (in historical data contexts).

Key Takeaway

Global Population Skew: The world's population is concentrated in a very small percentage of habitable land, with the continent of Asia dominating the list of the most populous nations (hosting 6 out of the top 10).

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth

Which of the following best explains the high population density in the Katanga-Zambia belt of Africa?

medium

With reference to the Demographic Transition Theory, which one of the following characterizes the population trend in the Third Stage?

easy

With reference to world population trends, consider the following statements: 1. Human population increased only two times in the past 500 years. 2. In the twentieth century itself, the population has increased four times. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Who stated that "the number of people would increase faster than the food supply"?

easy

Consider the following pairs of Demographic Transition Stages and their characteristics: 1. Stage I : High Fertility, High Mortality 2. Stage II : Low Fertility, High Mortality 3. Stage III : Low Fertility, Low Mortality Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 1: The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 12 Geography chapters

Correct Option

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: It is a standard demographic fact that the distribution of the human population is highly skewed. Broadly, 90 % of the world's population lives in about 10 % of its land area. The remaining land area is either sparsely populated or uninhabited due to harsh climatic or geographical conditions.
Statement 2 is Correct: The ten most populous countries of the world contribute approximately 60 % of the world’s population, not 80 %. While these countries hold a majority, the figure 80 % is an exaggeration.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Of the ten most populous countries, six are located in Asia, not four. These Asian nations typically include China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, along with Russia (which is transcontinental but geographically holds a vast area in Asia) or Japan (in historical data contexts).