Population

Analysis of Kerala
Demography and Statistics

SUBMITED TO:
PROF. ANANTHMURTHY SIR
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

SUBMITED BY:
ABHIRAM V
M.PLAN (SEM-I)
INTRODUCTION
Kerala, a state situated on the southwestern coast of India, presents a compelling case study in
demographic dynamics and human development. Renowned as "God's Own Country," Kerala's
captivating natural beauty, encompassing lush tropical landscapes, serene backwaters, and the
majestic Western Ghats, has not only attracted global tourists but also shaped its demographic
trajectory.

Kerala Locator Map

This coastal state stands out for its remarkable achievements in social development. Kerala
boasts India's highest literacy rate, a testament to its sustained investment in education, which
has profound implications for demographic indicators such as fertility rates, age structure, and
health outcomes. Its well-established healthcare system, reflected in high life expectancy and low
infant mortality rates, further contributes to its unique demographic profile. Notably, Kerala has
made significant strides in gender equality, evident in its consistently high sex ratio, a crucial
aspect of its demographic composition.
Historically, Kerala's strategic location on the Malabar Coast fostered spice trade, attracting
diverse communities and shaping its cultural and demographic landscape. This historical
openness is reflected in its religious and cultural diversity, which continues to influence
demographic patterns and social dynamics.

Map of Kerala

While tourism contributes significantly to Kerala's economy, its demographic characteristics are
intertwined with other sectors like agriculture, fishing, and remittances from its diaspora. These
economic factors influence migration patterns, urbanization, and population distribution across
the state's distinct geographical regions: the Highlands, Midlands, and Coastal Plains.

Kerala's demographic profile is marked by unique trends, including an aging population,

declining fertility rates, and shifting migration patterns. These trends present both challenges and
opportunities for the state, requiring careful policy interventions to address issues related to
healthcare, social security, and economic development.

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of Kerala's demographic landscape,

examining its population trends, distribution, and composition. It explores the interplay between
demographic factors and socio-economic development, offering insights into the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead for this unique Indian state.
TOTAL POPULATION OF KERALA
Kerala’s population has been steadily increasing over the decades, as shown below:

YEAR POPULATION (IN PERCENTAGE OF INDIA’S

MILLIONS) POPULATION

2001 31.84 3.10%

2011 33.38 2.76%

2021* 35.12 2.56%

(*Provisional data for 2021 Census)

This steady growth is a result of improved healthcare facilities, higher life expectancy, and lower
infant mortality rates in the state. Kerala’s unique demographic characteristics, such as an aging
population and declining birth rates, have set it apart from many other Indian states.

GENDER-WISE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION

Kerala’s gender ratio has consistently been one of the highest in India, reflecting its commitment
to gender equity and better health standards for women.

YEAR MALE POPULATION FEMALE GENDER RATIO

(MILLIONS) POPULATION (FEMALES PER 1000
(MILLIONS) MALES)
2001 15.47 16.37 1058

2011 16.02 17.36 1084

2021* 16.87 18.25 1086

The improving gender ratio highlights Kerala’s progress in healthcare, education, and social
awareness. It contrasts with the national average, which has historically been skewed in favor of
males.

LITERACY RATE
Kerala has consistently maintained the highest literacy rate in India, a reflection of its emphasis
on education and human development.

YEAR LITERACY RATE (%) ILLITERACY RATE (%)

2001 90.92 9.08

2011 94.00 6.00

2021* 96.20 3.80

This remarkable literacy rate is a result of sustained investments in primary and higher
education, public libraries, and awareness campaigns. Kerala’s education system is often seen as
a model for other states in India.
 Literacy Rate Column Chart

RELIGION-WISE DISTRIBUTION
Kerala is a diverse state with major religions as follows:

YEAR HINDUS (%) MUSLIMS (%) CHRISTIANS (%)

2001 56.20 24.70 19.00

2011 54.73 26.56 18.38

2021* 53.57 28.00 17.92

Kerala’s religious composition is a testament to its historical openness and trade relations, which
brought diverse communities to the region. Religious harmony has been a hallmark of the state.

Bar Chart of Religion-Wise Distribution

CASTE-WISE DISTRIBUTION
Kerala's social structure is shaped by a complex interplay of various caste groups. While the
Census of India provides data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), detailed
information on other caste categories, including Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Forward
Castes, is not readily available in public census reports.

Kerala’s caste composition includes Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST):

YEAR SC POPULATION (%) ST POPULATION (%)

2001 9.81 1.14
2011 9.10 1.45
 2021* 8.91 1.55

The state has implemented various social welfare programs and affirmative actions to uplift
marginalized communities. Despite progress, disparities still exist in terms of access to resources
and opportunities.

Caste wise Population Distribution Pie Chart

GEOGRAPHY-WISE DISTRIBUTION
Kerala is divided into three major geographical regions:

REGION CHARACTERISTICS

Highlands Includes the Western Ghats; sparsely populated with agriculture and plantation
activities (spices, tea, coffee).
 Midlands Fertile valleys and rivers; medium population density with diverse agricultural
practices.

Coastal Most densely populated; urban centers with fishing and tourism as significant
Plains contributors.

MIGRATION ANALYSIS
Kerala's migration history can be broadly divided into the following periods:

• Pre-1970s: Internal Focus: Primarily internal migration within India, with Keralites
seeking opportunities in other Indian cities and within the state itself (rural to urban).
• 1970s-1990s: The Gulf Boom: Mass migration to Gulf countries driven by the oil boom,
transforming Kerala's economy through substantial remittances. This was the most
significant shift.
• Late 1990s-2000s: Diversification and Returns: Some diversification of destinations
beyond the Gulf and the beginning of return migration due to changing global and
regional economic conditions.
• 2010s-Present: Complex Dynamics: More complex patterns with fluctuating Gulf
economies, increasing domestic opportunities in Kerala, growing skilled migration to
developed countries, and significant return migration requiring reintegration efforts.

Key Implications:

• Shifting migration patterns impact Kerala's economy, society, and demography.

• Dependence on remittances is likely decreasing, necessitating focus on domestic
economic growth.
• Return migration requires effective reintegration policies.
• The evolving nature of migration demands continuous monitoring and policy adaptation.

CRUDE BIRTH RATE (CBR) AND CRUDE DEATH RATE (CDR)

The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and Crude Death Rate (CDR) indicate the number of births and
deaths per 1000 people in a year, respectively. These rates are calculated using the formulas:

• CBR = (Number of Births / Total Population) × 1000

• CDR = (Number of Deaths / Total Population) × 1000
 YEAR CBR (PER 1000) CDR (PER 1000)

2001 18.3 6.4

2011 14.8 7.0

2021* 13.5 7.5

The declining birth rate reflects societal changes, including increased education and workforce
participation among women. The rise in the death rate is associated with an aging population.

Line Chart of CBR and CDR Trends

POPULATION PYRAMID OF KERALA

Kerala’s population pyramid shows an aging population:
 YEAR CHARACTERISTICS

2001 Broad base, indicating higher birth rates.

2011 Shrinking base and increasing middle-aged population.

2021* Narrower base and significant aging population.

The aging population poses challenges for healthcare and social security systems, necessitating
policy interventions to address these issues.

Population Pyramid of Kerala

References

1. Census of India Reports (2001, 2011, 2021)

2. Government of Kerala Official Website: https://kerala.gov.in
3. Population Pyramid Net: https://www.populationpyramid.net