Distribution of Population

5.2 Distribution of Population

Description

Quick Overview

The distribution of population refers to how people are spread across the Earth's surface, with significant disparities in density and demographic characteristics in different regions.

Standard

This section outlines the concept of population distribution, noting that over 90% of the world’s population lives on only 30% of the land area. It discusses factors affecting this uneven distribution, including geographical, social, cultural, and economic aspects, along with the implications of population changes over time.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

The distribution of population describes the arrangement of people across the Earth's surface, revealing that the world’s population is unevenly balanced; more than 90% resides in roughly 30% of the land area. Key areas of high population density include South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and northeastern North America. Conversely, regions such as high latitude areas, tropical deserts, high mountains, and equatorial forests are largely uninhabited. The text highlights a significant demographic pattern where three-quarters of the population lives in Asia and Africa while only a fraction resides in regions like Oceania and South America.

Factors influencing this uneven distribution include geographical elements like topography, climate, soil fertility, water resources, and mineral deposits, making certain areas more attractive for settlement. Furthermore, social and economic factors play a vital role; regions with better housing, education, and economic opportunities experience higher population densities. The section also emphasizes population changes driven by birth and death rates alongside migration, which collectively shape demographic structures globally.

Key Concepts

  • Population Distribution: How people are spaced over the Earth’s surface, with significant concentrations in urban areas.

  • Population Density: Measures how crowded an area is, typically per square kilometer.

  • Natural Growth Rate: The difference between the number of births and deaths in a population.

  • Migration: Involves the movement of people which can significantly impact population numbers.

  • Population Composition: Refers to the structure and characteristics of a population.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In cities big and lush, people gather and rush; in deserts dry and bare, few find a home to share.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once upon a time, in a land where the soil was fertile, farmers thrived and towns grew. However, across the mountains where it was steep, few dared to sow or reap.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'FEWS' for the factors affecting population: Fertile soil, Education, Water, and Social amenities.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Use 'BASE' to remember the impact of population density

  • B=Births
  • A=Age structure
  • S=Social Services
  • E=Environment.

Examples

  • In India, over 60% of the population lives in just a few densely populated states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

  • Countries like Canada and Mongolia have large land areas but are sparsely populated due to harsh climates.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Population Distribution

    Definition:

    The way in which people are spread across the Earth's surface.

  • Term: Population Density

    Definition:

    The number of people living per unit area, typically expressed as persons per square kilometer.

  • Term: Migration

    Definition:

    The movement of people from one place to another.

  • Term: Emigration

    Definition:

    Leaving one country to live in another.

  • Term: Immigration

    Definition:

    Entering a new country to live.

  • Term: Population Composition

    Definition:

    The structure of a population based on various characteristics like age and sex.

  • Term: Population Pyramid

    Definition:

    A graphical representation of the age and sex composition of a population.