Global Population Distribution

Question 1

What is Population Distribution?

Answer 1

-Population distribution refers to where people live. On a global scale: (or the number of people living within a specified area - population/km^2)
-75 per cent of the population live within 1,000 km of the sea
-85 per cent live in areas less than 500 m high
-85 per cent live between latitudes 68°N and 20°N
-less than 10 per cent live in the southern hemisphere.

-The most favored locations include:
fertile valleys, such as the Nile valley
regular supply of water, such as in temperate climates
climate that is not too extreme, such as a temperate climate
places with good communications, such as port cities eg. New York City

Question 2

Physical Factors

Answer 2

The natural environment influence on population e.g. climate

(interdependent with human factors)

-landforms
Areas with high population densities tend to be broad, flat plains in lowland areas
Fertile river valleys
Volcanic areas with rich soils
Areas with low population densities tend to be steep, rugged mountains where soils are thin and air pressure is low
-climate
-water
-vegetation
-soil
-pests & diseases
-natural resources

Question 3

Human Factors

Answer 3

Human actions/development influence on population e.g. economic development

(interdependent with physical factors)

-manufacturing
Areas where manufacturing industry has been established for many decades, or even centuries, usually have high population densities.
-communications
Areas where it is physically easy and financially viable to construct communications infrastructure, such as ports, canals, roads, railways and airports, attract people and therefore tend to have high population densities.
-political factors
-economy
-culture
-history