1.1.1 Global Population Distribution

Question 1

What is population distribution?

Answer 1

Population distribution is the pattern of where people have organised themselves to live.

Question 2

Describe global population distribution.

Answer 2

• Global distribution is uneven as less than a third of the earth’s surface is land.
• 5% of that land supports 75% of the population.
• Much of the planet is unsuitable for human habitation, such as deserts, mountains, and icy wastelands.
• 80% of the population lives in the northern hemisphere.
• Most people live within 1000 km of the sea.
  90% of the population live on low ground below 500 m above sea level.

Question 3

What is population density?

Answer 3

Population density is the number of people living in a certain area.

Question 4

Describe population density.

Answer 4

• Measured in population per km².
• Approximately 55% of the world now lives in cities but this figure is projected to reach 65% by 2050 as urbanisation increases.
• Western Europe, Southeast Asia and the Northeast USA have high-density areas of over 200 people/km².

Question 5

State the two types of factors that influence population distribution.

Answer 5

Physical factors and human factors.

Question 6

State 7 physical factors that influence population distribution.

Answer 6

1) Climate and weather
2) Relief and landforms
3) Soil types and quality
4) Vegetation
5) Natural resources
6) Natural hazards
7) Location

Question 7

Describe climate and weather as physical factors that influences population distribution.

Answer 7

• Temperate climates with stable weather conditions are more attractive for settlements.
• Areas with even sunlight, temperature and precipitation influence the suitability of land for human habitation and agriculture.
• Areas that are very dry, very cold or very wet will often have sparse populations.

Question 8

Describe relief and landforms as physical factors that influences population distribution.

Answer 8

• The shape and elevation of the land affects the accessibility, soil quality, drainage and natural hazards of an area.
• Volcanic areas, river deltas, lowland plains and valleys with fertile soil have higher population densities.
• Steep slopes and mountainous areas with poor-quality soil have low population densities.

Question 9

Describe soil types and quality as physical factors that influences population distribution.

Answer 9

• Volcanic areas can be highly attractive due to the fertile soil and resources and minerals (sulphur, gold, diamonds etc.) brought to the surface for economic activity.
• Flat land is attractive for building settlements and easiest for agricultural activities.

Question 10

Describe vegetation as a physical factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 10

• Grasslands are more attractive to the development of settlements.
• Areas with dense forestry, or lack of vegetation have sparse populations.

Question 11

Describe natural resources as a physical factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 11

• The presence of fresh water, minerals, fossil fuels, forests, fisheries and other resources attracts human settlement and economic activity.
• Areas that are dry or suffer from regular drought or excessive rainfall or are prone to flooding are less densely populated.

Question 12

Describe natural hazards as a physical factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 12

The frequency and intensity of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, droughts, hurricanes and other events can deter or displace human populations.

Question 13

Describe location as a physical factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 13

• The position of a place in comparison to other places will affect its connectivity, trade, migration and cultural exchange.
• Areas that are difficult to access or have poor communications will be less attractive.
• Areas that have pests (ticks, termites etc.), dangerous animals/plants (spiders, snakes, poison ivy etc.) or diseases (malaria, Ebola etc.) are usually avoided.

Question 14

State 6 human factors that influence population distribution.

Answer 14

1) Economic development
2) Political stability
3) Cultural diversity
4) Social service
5) Environmental awareness
6) History

Question 15

Describe economic development as a human factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 15

• Areas with higher levels of income, trade, and industrialisation tend to attract more people and offer better living standards.
• Past industrial regions such as Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield have continued higher densities of population.

Question 16

Describe political stability as a human factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 16

• Areas with lower levels of conflict, violence, and corruption tend to be more peaceful and secure, which encourages population growth and migration.

Question 17

Describe cultural diversity as a human factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 17

• Areas with more diverse and tolerant cultures tend to be more attractive and welcoming to people from different backgrounds and identities.

Question 18

Describe social service as a human factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 18

• Areas with better access to education, health care, and social welfare tend to have higher quality of life and lower mortality rates.

Question 19

Describe environmental awareness as a human factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 19

• Areas with more awareness and action on environmental issues tend to have lower levels of pollution, resource depletion, and natural disasters, which enhance population sustainability.

Question 20

Describe history as a human factor that influences population distribution.

Answer 20

• Migration of people (forced or voluntary) has led to redistribution of populations such as the Windrush generation or the Atlantic slave trade.