Question

What percentage of the world's land area does India occupy?

• A. 4.2%
• B. 2.4%
• C. 7.5%
• D. 17.5%

Hint:

Remember: India's share in World Area = 2.4% India's share in World Population = 17.5%

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: India is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of population and geographical diversity. However, despite its huge population, India occupies only a small percentage of the total land area of the world.

Step 1: Understanding India's geographical area.
India has a total geographical area of approximately: \[ 3.28 \text{ million square kilometers} \] The total land area of the Earth is approximately: \[ 148.9 \text{ million square kilometers} \]

Step 2: Calculating the percentage share.
The percentage share of India in the world's land area can be expressed as: \[ \text{Percentage Share} = \left( \frac{\text{Area of India}}{\text{Total World Land Area}} \right) \times 100 \] Substituting the values: \[ = \left( \frac{3.28}{148.9} \right) \times 100 \] \[ \approx 2.4% \] Thus, India occupies approximately 2.4% of the world's land area.

Step 3: Comparing land area with population share.
An important geographical fact is that:
• India occupies only 2.4% of the world's land area.
• But India supports around 17.5% of the world's population. This shows the enormous population pressure on India's natural resources, agriculture, housing, transport, and environment.

Step 4: Analyzing other options.
4.2%: Incorrect and not related to India's land area share. 7.5%: Incorrect; sometimes confused with biodiversity-related figures. 17.5%: Represents India's approximate share in world population, not land area. Therefore, the correct answer is option (B).