This paper deals with the pattern of population growth in the Southern region of the country consisting of the four States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Section I of the paper deals with the heterogeneity in terms of population size, population density, sex ratio, proportion of population that is urban, etc. Section II presents the pattern of population growth in the four States and Pondicherry, by regions within each State and by districts. Section III looks at the components of population growth, namely, births, deaths and migration. Section IV discusses the socio-economic conditions and changes in these conditions which lead to these demographic characteristics. Finally, Section V indicates likely trends in population growth in the future. The data are drawn mainly from the decennial Censuses of India, National Sample Survey reports and Sample Registration Scheme. Data provided by demographic surveys, statistical abstracts and individual scholars have also been put together.