An Introduction to the world of An Introduction to the world of populationpopulation

An Introduction to the world of An Introduction to the world of populationpopulation

Theme D – GCSETheme D – GCSE Theme D – GCSETheme D – GCSE

Distribution and Density

• Population Distribution is the spread or the pattern of people in an area. We need to look at the reasons for this pattern

• Population Density – This is the number of people who live in a given area. It is calculated for a particular country using the following equation

No of people in a particular country

Population Density =

Size of that country (km²)

Turn to Page 136 in Complete Geography

The population of the world is growing at an extremely fast rate. According to the United Nations Population fund

World Population reached 6 million in 1999, an addition of a billion in only 12 years. Nearly half are under the age of 25

 

Population is growing at the rate of 76 million a year. More than 70 million will be added each year for at least the next 15 years

The Global distribution of

population is uneven

Size of box represents population total per country

Population Distribution of the World (2000)

Source: Landscan

Why do people not live in some places in the world? 

Relief Life can be difficult in hilly and mountainous areas. It is difficult to use machinery on upland areas. People find it difficult to live in these places. Only people who have enough money to overcome the problems can live in this environment. They can have food and fuel resources brought to them – but if there is any break down – they will not be able to survive.  ClimatePeople do not like to live in very hot (desert) or very cold (tundra, taiga or artic conditions). It is uncomfortable and the human body is not designed to live here without help of some sort.  

Human Reasons for a low population density

Economic reasons – jobs

Economic reasons – farming

Social reasons – Family and friends

However, on the whole the reason why people do not live in remote areas of the world is because it is difficult to survive because of the the physical factors like climate, soils, vegetation and other animals. However, with an increasing emphasis on new technologies – there may be a movement over the next few years when people move back to the extremes.

Physical reasons for the distribution of population

Altitude

Latitude

Relief

Climate

Soils

Mineral and Energy Resources

Refer to the typed sheets that have notes on these and make a summary of each explanation

Non-Physical reasons for the distribution of population (including Human)

Type and scale of Economic Activity

Political Influences

Historical Processes

Demographic Factors

Refer to the typed sheets that have notes on these and make a summary of each explanation

Factors of Population

Physical Factors • These are the essential

for life • Oxygen• Water • Warmth• Food • Living Space • Climate and soils • Energy and Minerals

Human Factors • This involves the jobs

and social organisation of the population

• Level of technology • Economic activity • Social Organisation

Population Density and Distribution across the world

You must make sure that you can explain the pattern of the population density and distribution of the world. You must be able to quote 2 examples (at least) of a densely populated area and 2 examples of a sparsely populated area.

Dense and Sparse

A Densely populated area is an area (normally a km²) where there area lot of people living.

A Sparsely populated area is an area where few people live.

World Case Study

You need to have a good general knowledge of places in the world where there are Sparsely and Densely populated areas. (At least 2 of each)

• Make a copy of Map A on Page 4 of WWF

• Using the map on the next slide – make a list of the areas/regions of the world that are Dense/Sparse

European Case Study: France

You need to have an in-depth knowledge of the Distribution and Density of the population in France.

1. Look at Page 137 in Complete Geography

2. Make a copy of the French section of the European map

3. What do you notice about the main areas of dense and sparse population?

4. Look at the information on DG1.6 and take notes.

5. Then look at the maps of the French population! The main one you want to look at is the top left which shows the main pattern of distribution.

Population Distribution of the World (2000)

Source: Landscan