Kerala is not the most populous state in South India. It is the least populated among the big states of South India.
However, the State is one of the most densely populated regions in India. There are many reasons for this.
- Kerala primarily contains three regions, the coastal plains, the middle hills and the western Ghats. The Coastal plains which is the widest, much like the northern plains are highly fertile and similar to its northern twin has attracted people throughout its history.
- The State is very well endowed with natural resources. For example, water, one of the primary components to sustain livelihood, is available abundantly. There is a well in almost every house. This means that people can settle in almost any part of the state.
- Malayalis are a migrant lot. This has created a labour shortfall in case of manual work. Therefore, the wages that you get in Kerala is higher than the minimum wage. This has attracted unskilled workers from places like Bihar, Odisha etc. This also has added to the population density.
- The society is highly welcoming and there are not many boundaries created by factors like religion or caste or community. In many places in India, you will find neighbourhoods that are predominantly Hindu or Muslim. Kerala has a healthy mixture of every religion and everyone is comfortable around each other. The neighbours on my house’s left and right are Hindu while the one’s in front are two muslim and one christian households. We partake in all celebrations regardless of religion. This welcoming nature also means settling in any part of the state is very easy and comfortable.