Q. Consider the following data: For which period was the natural growth rate maximum?
Year : Birth rate – Death rate
1911-1921 : 48.1 – 35.5
1921-1931 : 46.4 – 36.3
1931-1941 : 45.2 – 31.2
1941-1951 : 39.9 – 27.4
1951-1961 : 41.7 – 22.8
1961-1971 : 41.1 – 18.9
1971-1981 : 37.1 – 14.8
(a) 1911 – 1921
(b) 1941-1951
(c) 1961 – 1971
(d) 1971-1981
Correct Answer: (d) 1971-1981
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Natural growth rate
The natural growth rate is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate. From the data you provided, we can calculate the natural growth rates for each period:
- 1911-1921: 48.1 – 35.5 = 12.6
- 1921-1931: 46.4 – 36.3 = 10.1
- 1931-1941: 45.2 – 31.2 = 14
- 1941-1951: 39.9 – 27.4 = 12.5
- 1951-1961: 41.7 – 22.8 = 18.9
- 1961-1971: 41.1 – 18.9 = 22.2
- 1971-1981: 37.1 -14 .8 = 22.3
The maximum natural growth rate was 22.3 during the period 1971-1981.
