Census highlights of Bihar

    Bihar: Nestled in the east, Bihar is a treasure trove of ancient history and cultural heritage. Its mosaic of people forms an integral part of national census data, shedding light on socio-economic trends and demographic nuances.
  • The population of Bihar state is 10.41 Crore, with a male population of 5.43 Crore and a female population of 4.98 Crore.
  • The state has a literacy rate of 61.8%, which is lower than the national literacy rate of 74.04%.

Population of Bihar in 2024

  1. The estimated population of Bihar state in 2024 is 12.95 Crore.
  2. This is an increase of 24.40% from the 2011 census population of 10.41 Crore.
  3. The growth rate is higher than the national average of 17.26%.
The above population is an educated estimation based on many things including population growth rate of Bihar. It can vary from sources to sources.

Population

As per the provisional reports of the 2011 census, Bihar's population is 10,40,99,452. Out of the total population, 88.71% live in rural or village areas, while 11.29% live in urban or city areas.

Rural and Urban Population of Bihar

Rural
88.71% 9.23 Crore
Urban
11.29% 1.18 Crore

Map of Bihar - Population, Literacy, Religion and more

Population of Bihar is 10.41 Crore.

Names

Outline

  • Tap on any district for its info of selected parameter
  • * Districts with data as "NA" were created after the last census.

    • Full map of India
    What portion of India's population lives in Bihar?
    Bihar state accounts for approximately 8.6% of India's total population. India's population is 121.09 Crore as of the latest available data in 2011.

    Top most populated states in India

    1
    Uttar Pradesh
    19.98 Crore
    2
    Maharashtra
    11.24 Crore
    3
    Bihar
    10.41 Crore
    4
    West Bengal
    9.13 Crore
    5
    Andhra Pradesh
    8.46 Crore
    What is Bihar's population rank in India?
    In India, Bihar state is the 3rd most populous district followed by West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh
    How many districts are there in Bihar as of 2023?
    As of 2023, there are 38 districts in Bihar.
    Araria Arwal Aurangabad Banka Begusarai Bhagalpur Bhojpur Buxar Darbhanga East Champaran Gaya Gopalganj Jamui Jehanabad Kaimur Katihar Khagaria Kishanganj Lakhisarai Madhepura Madhubani Munger Muzaffarpur Nalanda Nawada Patna Purnia Rohtas Saharsa Samastipur Saran Sheikhpura Sheohar Sitamarhi Siwan Supaul Vaishali West Champaran
    Districts created after the last census(2011):
      What are the 3 most populated districts in Bihar?
      1. Patna: With a population of over 58.38 Lakh, Patna is the most populated district in Bihar ranking 1st/38 in the state and 15th in the India.
      2. East Champaran: With a population of over 50.99 Lakh, East Champaran is the second most populated district in Bihar ranking 2nd/38 in the state and 20th in the India.
      3. Muzaffarpur: With a population of over 48.01 Lakh, Muzaffarpur is the third most populated district in Bihar ranking 3rd/38 in the state and 24th in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      What are the 3 least populated districts in Bihar?
      1. Sheikhpura: With a population of over 6.36 Lakh, Sheikhpura is the least populated district in Bihar ranking 38/38 in the state and 509th in the India.
      2. Sheohar: With a population of over 6.56 Lakh, Sheohar is the second least populated district in Bihar ranking 37/38 in the state and 504th in the India.
      3. Arwal: With a population of over 7.01 Lakh, Arwal is the third least populated district in Bihar ranking 36/38 in the state and 495th in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts

      Bihar's Population summary

      Population Total Male Female
      Total 10.41 Cr 5.43 Cr 4.98 Cr
      Rural 9.23 Cr 4.81 Cr 4.43 Cr
      Urban 1.18 Cr 62.04 L 55.54 L

      Sex ratio

      Sex ratio of Bihar

      The total sex ratio of Bihar is 918/1000; this is lower than the sex ratio of India.
      Rural and Urban sex ratio of Bihar is 921/1000 and 895/1000 respectively.

      Different sex ratios of Bihar
      India's sex ratio (943)
      Sex ratio ranking of Bihar

      1

      ST

      958/1000

      2

      Children

      935/1000

      3

      SC

      925/1000

      4

      Rural

      921/1000

      5

      Total

      918/1000

      6

      Non SC/ST

      916/1000

      7

      Urban

      895/1000

      *If the sex ratio within a particular category is 0/1000, it indicates that the population count for that specific parameter is 0.
      What is sex ratio?
      Sex ratio in India refers to the number of females per 1000 males in the population. It is an important demographic indicator that reflects the balance between the male and female population in a society.
      What is male and female population of Bihar?
      The population of Bihar is approximately 10.41 Crore out of which, the male population is around 5.43 Crore, while the female population is approximately 4.98 Crore. The sex ratio of Bihar is 918 females per 1000 males, which is lower than the national sex ratio of 943 females per 1000 males.

      Highest sex ratios in India

      Rank
      District
      Sex Ratio
      What is Bihar's sex ratio rank in India?
      With a sex ratio of 993/1000, Bihar ranks 25th in India followed by Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, according to the provisional data from the 2011 Indian Census.
      What are the 3 states in India with the lowest sex ratio?
      1. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: With a sex ratio of 706, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu has the lowest sex ratio in India.
      2. Ladakh: With a sex ratio of 750, Ladakh has the second lowest sex ratio in India.
      3. Chandigarh: With a sex ratio of 818, Chandigarhhas the third lowest sex ratio in India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      What are the top 3 districts by sex ratio in Bihar?
      1. Gopalganj: With a sex ratio of 1,021, Gopalganj ranks 1st/38 in Bihar and 42nd in the India.
      2. Siwan: With a sex ratio of 988, Siwan ranks 2nd/38 in Bihar and 132nd in the India.
      3. Saran: With a sex ratio of 954, Saran ranks 3rd/38 in Bihar and 279th in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      Which districts have lowest sex ratio in Bihar?
      1. Munger: With a sex ratio of 876, Munger ranks 38th/38 in Bihar and 571st in the India.
      2. Bhagalpur: With a sex ratio of 880, Bhagalpur ranks 37th/38 in Bihar and 558th in the India.
      3. Khagaria: With a sex ratio of 886, Khagaria ranks 36th/38 in Bihar and 543rd in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      What does low sex ratio denotes?
      A low sex ratio denotes an imbalanced proportion of males to females in a given population. It is an indicator of gender inequality, which can have serious consequences for the social, economic, and political well-being of a society. Here are some of the implications of a low sex ratio:
      1. Discrimination against females: A low sex ratio is often the result of discrimination against girls and women, including female foeticide, infanticide, and neglect of the girl child. It signifies that females are not valued or given equal opportunities in society.
      2. Social unrest: A large number of unmarried men due to a low sex ratio can lead to social unrest and an increase in crime, violence, and other societal issues. It can also lead to a rise in prostitution, human trafficking, and other social evils.
      3. Economic impact: A low sex ratio can negatively impact economic growth. It can lead to a shortage of skilled labor, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs due to an aging population.
      4. Demographic imbalance: A low sex ratio can cause a demographic imbalance, with an over-representation of males in the population. This can lead to a shortage of females for marriage, which can further perpetuate the cycle of gender discrimination.
      In conclusion, a low sex ratio denotes a society's deep-rooted gender inequality and can have serious implications for its social, economic, and political development. It is important to take measures to address the issue of gender discrimination and promote gender equality to ensure a balanced sex ratio for a better future.
      Why balanced sex ratio is impotant?
      A balanced sex ratio is an essential indicator of a healthy society, and it reflects the proportion of males and females in a given population. Here are some reasons why a balanced sex ratio is important:
      1. Gender equality: A balanced sex ratio signifies equal representation of both males and females in society. It ensures equal rights, opportunities, and social status for both genders and eliminates discrimination against girls and women.
      2. Social stability: A skewed sex ratio can lead to social issues, such as an increase in crime, violence, and instability. A balanced sex ratio helps to create a stable and harmonious social environment, where both men and women have an equal say in societal decisions.
      3. Economic growth: A balanced sex ratio can contribute to the economic growth of a society. It promotes the education and employment of women, which in turn leads to higher productivity and income growth, benefiting the overall economy.
      4. Demographic balance: A balanced sex ratio is essential for the overall demographic balance of a society. It ensures that there are enough individuals to support the needs of the society and reduces the pressure on resources.
      In conclusion, a balanced sex ratio is critical for the overall development and progress of a society. It promotes gender equality, social stability, economic growth, and demographic balance. Hence, it is essential to take measures to eliminate gender discrimination and ensure a balanced sex ratio for a better future.

      Literacy Rate

      Literacy of Bihar

    • The total literacy rate of Bihar is 61.8%, while the total male and female literacy rate is 71.2% and 51.5% respectively.
    • The rural literacy rate of Bihar is 59.78%, while the rural male and female literacy rate is 69.67% and 49% respectively.
    • The urban literacy rate of Bihar is 76.86%, while the urban male and female literacy rate is 82.56% and 70.49% respectively.
    • Bihar's literacy rate is lower than the literacy rate of India.

      • Total, Rural and Urban literacy rate of Bihar
      India's literacy (74.04%)
      Total literacy across areas
      Total: 61.8% Rural: 59.78% Urban: 76.86%
      Male literacy
      Total: 71.2% Rural: 69.67% Urban: 82.56%
      Female literacy
      Total: 51.5% Rural: 49% Urban: 70.49%
      What is Literacy rate?
    • The literacy rate in India refers to the percentage of the population aged 7 years and above who can read and write with understanding.
    • As of the 2011 Census of India, the literacy rate in India was 74.04%. It's worth noting that this figure varies widely by state and gender, with some states having literacy rates over 90% while others have rates below 60%.
    • Additionally, the literacy rate in India is constantly increasing due to various government initiatives and educational programs aimed at improving access to education for all.
      • Why literacy rate is important?
      Literacy rate is a crucial factor for the educational and socio-economic development of a country. It indicates the percentage of people in a population who can read and write with understanding. Here are some reasons why literacy rate is important:
      1. Empowerment: Literacy empowers individuals by providing them with knowledge and skills, allowing them to make informed decisions and participate in the democratic process.
      2. Economic growth: Literacy is a key driver of economic growth and development. It provides individuals with the necessary skills to secure better employment opportunities, which in turn contributes to the country's economic growth.
      3. Improved health outcomes: Literacy is linked to better health outcomes, as literate individuals are more likely to seek out and understand health-related information, leading to healthier lifestyles and improved healthcare decisions.
      4. Social development: Literacy promotes social development by improving communication, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
      5. Reduction of poverty: Literacy plays a vital role in reducing poverty, as it enables individuals to participate in economic activities and access basic services such as healthcare and education.
      What is Bihar's literacy rate rank in India?
      With a literacy rate of 61.8%, Bihar ranks at 35th position in India.

      Top literacy rates in India

      Rank
      District
      Literacy
      What are the 3 most literate districts in Bihar?
      1. Rohtas: With a sex ratio of 73.37%, Rohtas ranks 1st/38 in Bihar and 278th in the India.
      2. Patna: With a sex ratio of 70.68%, Patna ranks 2nd/38 in Bihar and 351st in the India.
      3. Bhojpur: With a sex ratio of 70.47%, Bhojpur ranks 3rd/38 in Bihar and 359th in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      Which are the 3 least literate states in India?
      As per the 2011 Census of India, the 3 least literate states in India are:
      1. Bihar: With a literacy rate of 61.8%, Bihar is the least literate state in India.
      2. Arunachal Pradesh: With a literacy rate of 65.38%, Arunachal Pradesh is the second least literate state in India.
      3. Rajasthan: With a literacy rate of 66.11%, Rajasthan is the third least literate state in India.
      Which districts have lowest literacy rate in Bihar?
      1. Purnia: With a literacy rate of 51.08%, Purnia ranks 38th/38 in Bihar and 616th in the India.
      2. Sitamarhi: With a literacy rate of 52.05%, Sitamarhi ranks 37th/38 in Bihar and 612th in the India.
      3. Katihar: With a literacy rate of 52.24%, Katihar ranks 36th/38 in Bihar and 610th in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      What does low literacy rate denotes?
      A low literacy rate denotes that a small percentage of the population in a given area, usually a country or a region, can read and write with understanding. A low literacy rate has several implications for the educational and socio-economic development of a society. Here are some implications of a low literacy rate:
    • Limited educational opportunities: A low literacy rate means that a significant proportion of the population does not have access to quality education. This can limit their personal and professional development and hinder their ability to contribute to the overall development of the country.
    • Economic challenges: A low literacy rate can lead to a lack of skilled workers and limit economic growth and development. It may also result in limited employment opportunities, leading to high unemployment rates and poverty.
    • Health challenges: A low literacy rate is linked to poor health outcomes, as people who are unable to read and write may struggle to access important health-related information, leading to poor health decisions and outcomes.
    • Social challenges: A low literacy rate can lead to communication and social interaction challenges, which can negatively affect the quality of life for individuals and the overall social development of the country.
    • Increased poverty: A low literacy rate is linked to higher poverty rates, as people who are unable to read and write may have limited access to employment opportunities and basic services such as healthcare and education.
      • Which are the 3 most literate districts in India?
        As per the 2011 Census of India, the 3 most literate districts in India are:
      • Serchhip : With a literacy rate of 97.91%, Serchhip, located in Mizoram is the most literate district in India.
      • Aizawl : With a literacy rate of 97.89%, Aizawl, located in Mizoram is the second most literate district in India.
      • Mahe : With a literacy rate of 97.87%, Mahe, located in Puducherry is the third most literate district in India.

      Religion and WPR

      Religious information of Bihar

      • As per the 2011 Census, the majority of the population in Bihar state follows Hinduism, accounting for around 82.69% of the total population.
      • Islam is the second-largest religion in the state, with around 16.87% followers.
      • Christianity is the third-largest religion with around 0.12% followers.
      • Other religious communities in Bihar include Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism accounting for a small portion of population.
      Religion graph

      *Religions with population percentage around 1-2% are included in the above graph.

      Hindu 82.69% Muslim 16.87%
      Sikh 0.02% Christian 0.12%
      Buddhism 0.02% Jainism 0.02%
      Others 0.01% NA 0.24%

      Worker Population Ratio of Bihar

      The worker population ratio of Bihar stands at 33.36%, which means that 33.36% of the state's population is part of the workforce.
      This ratio is a key indicator of the state's economic health, as it reflects the level of labor force participation and employment opportunities available to the population.

      What does high working population ratio denotes?
      1. The working population ratio (WPR) is a measure of the proportion of the working-age population that is employed.
      2. A high WPR generally indicates a strong and healthy economy, while a low WPR can be a sign of economic weakness.
      3. A high WPR can lead to increased economic growth, higher levels of productivity, and increased tax revenue for the government.
      4. A high WPR can help to reduce poverty and inequality by providing more opportunities for individuals to earn a living and support themselves and their families.
      5. A low WPR can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including higher levels of poverty, social unrest, and reduced economic growth.
      6. The WPR is typically calculated by dividing the number of employed individuals in a population by the total working-age population.
      7. A high WPR can be achieved through various means, including creating more job opportunities, improving education and training programs, and promoting entrepreneurship.
      8. A high WPR can also help to attract foreign investment and improve a country's international competitiveness.
      9. A high WPR is not the only indicator of a strong economy, and other factors such as income inequality, inflation, and public debt should also be considered when assessing economic performance.
      Overall, a high working population ratio is an important economic indicator that reflects the level of economic activity and productivity within a country or region.
      How does low working population ratio impact?
      1. The working population ratio (WPR) is a measure of the proportion of the working-age population that is employed.
      2. A low WPR can be a sign of economic weakness, indicating that there are not enough job opportunities available to support the working-age population.
      3. A low WPR can lead to higher levels of poverty, social unrest, and reduced economic growth.
      4. A low WPR can also lead to a decrease in tax revenue for the government, which can further hinder economic development.
      5. A low WPR can be caused by various factors, including a lack of investment in job creation, low levels of education and training, and demographic changes such as an aging population.
      6. Addressing a low WPR requires a multi-faceted approach, including creating more job opportunities, improving education and training programs, and promoting entrepreneurship.
      7. A low WPR may also require policy interventions such as tax incentives for businesses that create jobs or subsidies for industries that are experiencing growth.
      8. A low WPR can be particularly challenging in rural areas or regions with limited economic opportunities, and may require targeted efforts to attract investment and create new industries.
      9. A low WPR can negatively impact the social fabric of a society, leading to increased crime rates, drug abuse, and other social problems.
      Overall, a low working population ratio is an important economic indicator that reflects the level of economic activity and productivity within a country or region. Addressing a low WPR requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the various factors that contribute to low employment rates.

      2024: New Districts in Bihar

      As of the year 2024, Bihar has 38 districts. Number of districts in the state are same as in the year 2011.
      District Formed Derived from

      List of all States and Union territories of India

      Andhra Pradesh

      Arunachal Pradesh

      Assam

      Bihar

      Chhattisgarh

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