factors affecting population distribution

Question 1

physical factors:

Answer 1

climate;

• people prefer to live in temps climates where there is enough rainfall and no extreme temps. e.g europe.
• if there is a lack of fresh water for drinking. e.g the sahara desert.
• extreme temps make farming difficult along with other issues like degradation and strokes. e.g the arabian desert.
• areas with high humidity are also uncomfortable places to live and can be affected by diseases like malaria in places. e.g rainforests (the amazon desert or the congo.
• extreme cold temps make it difficult to grow crops or to build homes and transport links as the ground can be frozen for much of the year. e.g in northern canada or northern russia.
• frostbite makes it difficult to work outside for any length of time, and protective clothing would need to be worn. e.g in all polar environments.

relief;

• steep slopes make the use of machinery difficult. e.g in the highlands or the rockies. they also make it difficult to build houses, roads and railways. e.g in the alps.
• high mountainous areas are too cold to grow crops. e.g the himalayas.
• flat, low-lying areas have deeper soil which makes it easier to grow crops. e.g europe or the northern american prairies.

natural resources;

• few natural resources, like coal, in an area means there is a lack of industry and therefore a lack of employment opportunities.
• scenery is a resource that can attract tourists, bringing job opportunities. e.g the alps.

soils;

• areas with fertile soils. e.g river deltas, are too good for growing crops to feed the population. e.g bangladesh.
• poor soils with few nutrients mean there with be a low agriculture output. e.g in rainforests.

Question 2

why some areas are more densely populated than others?

Answer 2

• if the area has a good climate to live and work in.
• if the area has a good water supply for drinking.
• if an area is easily accessible such as in a valley or on a coastal lowland.
• if the area has flat land or building settlements.
• if the area has good fertile soil for farming.

Question 3

why are some areas more sparsely populated than others?

Answer 3

• if the area lacks resources for farming or manufacturing.
• if the areas land is too high or steep to build on such as in mountain areas.
• if the area has a difficult climate such as being too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry.
• if areas are remote and difficult to reach such as mountains, jungles or deserts.