Part of: Tamil Nadu Gk set 24

Approximately what is the population of Tamils in the world?

Category: Tamil Nadu Gk

Hint: Consider the population of Tamil Nadu and Tamil-speaking communities in other countries.

Correct Answer: C) 80 Million.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The population of Tamils in the world is a significant demographic figure that includes not only the population of Tamil Nadu, India, but also Tamil-speaking communities in other parts of India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries where Tamil is spoken. The estimation of the global Tamil population is a complex task that involves considering the distribution of Tamil speakers across various regions and countries.

Tamil Nadu, located in southern India, is the primary state where Tamil is the official language. The population of Tamil Nadu alone is around 72 million, as per the 2011 census. However, the global Tamil-speaking population extends beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu and India. In Sri Lanka, there is a significant Tamil-speaking population, primarily in the northern and eastern parts of the country. The Tamil-speaking population in Sri Lanka is estimated to be around 3 million.

Malaysia and Singapore also have substantial Tamil-speaking communities. In Malaysia, the Tamil-speaking population is estimated to be around 2 million, while in Singapore, it is around 0.5 million. Additionally, there are Tamil-speaking communities in other countries such as Mauritius, South Africa, and various parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

When all these populations are combined, the total number of Tamil speakers worldwide is estimated to be around 80 million. This figure includes the population of Tamil Nadu, Tamil-speaking communities in other parts of India, and Tamil speakers in other countries. The estimation of the global Tamil population is an important demographic figure that reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Tamil-speaking community.

It is important to note that the exact number of Tamil speakers can vary depending on the source and the methodology used for estimation. However, the figure of 80 million is widely accepted as a reasonable estimate of the global Tamil-speaking population. This estimation is crucial for understanding the cultural and linguistic significance of the Tamil language and the Tamil-speaking community in the global context.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option underestimates the total population of Tamils. The population of Tamils is significantly higher, considering the large number of Tamil speakers in various countries.
  • Option B: This option is also too low. The global Tamil-speaking population is larger than 50 million, including significant populations in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore.
  • Option C: This option is correct. The global population of Tamils is estimated to be around 80 million, including the population of Tamil Nadu and Tamil-speaking communities in other countries.
  • Option D: This option is far too low. The global Tamil-speaking population is much larger, with significant populations in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Mnemonic: Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu (8 times for 80 million)

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