If it were a country, this state would be the world's fifth most populous

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Uttar Pradesh is not just India's most populous state; it is the largest subdivision in the world. With over 199 million people, its demographic weight is so massive that it rivals entire nations like Pakistan and Indonesia in sheer human scale.

According to the 2011 census, Uttar Pradesh recorded a population of approximately 199,812,341. This staggering figure places its density at about 828 persons per square kilometer (or 2,146 per square mile). The state's human geography is characterized by extreme diversity: it serves as a holy site for both Hindus and Muslims, while housing a complex tapestry of religious groups including Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists. The state's capital is Lucknow, while Prayagraj serves as its judicial center. The population of the state exceeds that of Pakistan.

The social structure is defined by intricate caste systems. While the government has not released official data for every non-SC/ST caste, estimates suggest that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) make up over 50% of the population, with Yadavs forming the largest single group within that category at roughly 40%. The state also recognizes five specific 'disadvantaged' scheduled tribes in its peripheral regions: Tharus, Boksas, Bhotias, Jaunswaris, and Rajis. Muslims in this region are largely composed of Rohillas, a clan of ethnic Pathans. Forward castes make up about 18-20% of the total residents.

Education and gender dynamics reveal significant regional disparities. While the state's overall literacy rate of 70.69% is growing faster than the national average, a notable negative correlation exists in certain districts. For example, Gautam Buddha Nagar has the highest literacy rate at 80.12% but stands as one of the poorest districts regarding sex-ratio, with a low ratio of 851. Conversely, three districts—Jaunpur, Azamgarh, and Deoria—are among the few to maintain a sex ratio greater than 1,000. The literacy rate for women remains significantly lower than that of men. Some districts like Srawasti and Balrampur have not yet reached a 50% literacy threshold.

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