Blank 26

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 2

Population, Distribution, and Density

1.1 Meaning of Population, Distribution, and Density

Population: The total number of people living in a specific area.


Population Distribution: how people are spread across the given area(number of people per square
kilometre)

Some areas are sparsely populated (few people)=difficult to live + hostile environments (e.g., Antarctica),
while others are densely populated (many people)= habitable and temperate (e.g., Europe).

Population about 8 billion people living in the developing world and the population is unevenly spread the
world has more empty areas than crowded areas due to physical and human factors

Population Density: The average number of people living in a unit of area, (the number of people per square
kilometer). Formula: Population ÷ Area.
(Daricer)darker colors represent higher population density.

1.2 World Population Density & Distribution

- Uneven Distribution: Population is unevenly spread across the globe.


- High Density: Temperate regions (20-60 degrees north latitude, e.g., Europe, Asia).
- Low Density: Harsh climates (e.g., deserts, polar regions, mountains).

1.3 Factors Affecting Population Distribution and Density

Physical Factors (Natural Environment)

1. Climate
Favorable climates attract populations (e.g., temperate regions).
Extreme climates deter populations (e.g., deserts, polar areas).
2. Soil Fertility
Fertile soil supports agriculture (e.g., river valleys).
Poor soil reduces population density (e.g., arid regions).
3. Water Supply
Access to freshwater supports population growth (e.g., rivers, lakes).
Areas with limited water resources are sparsely populated.
4. Topography
Flat/gentle land is easy to develop and farm (higher density).
Mountainous regions are difficult to access and develop (lower density).
5. Natural Resources
Resource-rich areas attract people for jobs (e.g., oil, minerals).
Resource-poor areas have lower population densities.
6. Natural Disasters
Frequent disasters reduce population density due to risk (e.g., earthquakes, floods).
7. Proximity to Oceans/Seas
Coastal areas attract more people due to trade, fishing, and milder climates.
8. Vegetation
Dense forests (e.g., Amazon) are harder to develop, leading to lower population density.
9. Altitude
Higher altitudes have lower populations due to harsher conditions.
10. Disease Prevalence
Regions with high disease risks (e.g., malaria) often have lower population densities.

Human Factors (Social, Economic, Political)

1. Industrial Development
Industrial areas attract populations due to job opportunities.
2. Political Stability
Stable regions attract people; conflict zones see population decline.
3. Economic Opportunities
Strong economies and job prospects attract more people (urban areas).
4. Infrastructure
Well-developed infrastructure supports larger populations (transport, healthcare, etc.).
5. Healthcare Quality
Good healthcare systems attract people, while poor healthcare limits growth.
6. Education System
Access to quality education draws people to cities.
7. Cultural/Religious Factors
Culturally or religiously significant areas can have high populations (e.g., pilgrimage sites).
8. Government Policies
Policies that promote urbanization or economic development impact population density.
9. Conflict/War
Conflict zones experience population decline due to migration and displacement.
10. Tourism
Tourist destinations often have higher population densities due to demand for services

You might also like