Which one out of the following is least urbanized state of India?
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Generally, states with hilly terrain and economies heavily based on agriculture or horticulture, like Himachal Pradesh, tend to have lower levels of urbanization compared to coastal or highly industrialized states like Goa and Maharashtra.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Urbanization refers to the percentage of a population living in urban areas. The "least urbanized" state is the one with the highest percentage of its population living in rural areas. This data is primarily sourced from the Census of India. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Based on the Census of India 2011 (which remains the standard reference for such questions):
1. Himachal Pradesh: Has an urbanization rate of just 10.03%. It is one of the most rural states in the country.
2. Goa: Is one of the most urbanized states, with an urbanization rate of 62.17%.
3. Rajasthan: Has an urbanization rate of 24.87%.
4. Maharashtra: Is also a highly urbanized state with an urbanization rate of 45.22%.
Comparing these figures, Himachal Pradesh has the lowest percentage of its population living in urban areas. Step 3: Final Answer:
Himachal Pradesh is the least urbanized state among the given options.