Human Geography Flashcards
Why do developing countries have high birth rates?
Children needed for farming – In subsistence farming, families have more children to help with work.
High infant mortality – Parents have more children to make sure some survive to adulthood.
Cultural beliefs – In some traditions, having many children is seen as a blessing or a sign of strength.
Limited access to contraception – Without birth control, families can’t easily limit how many children they have.
No elderly care system – Parents have more children to care for them in old age and share the cost among siblings.
Children help earn money – In poor urban areas, kids may work to support the family, encouraging larger families.
Why are birth rates falling worldwide?
Better healthcare – More children survive, so parents choose to have fewer.
Later marriages – Couples have less time to have children, lowering birth rates.
Modern farming technology – Fewer children are needed to work on farms.
High cost of raising children – Families have fewer kids to save money and enjoy a better lifestyle.
Access to family planning – Contraceptives help control how many children couples have.
Women’s empowerment – More women focus on education and careers, leading to smaller families.
Why are death rates higher developing countries?
Poor disease control – Lack of resources means illnesses spread easily, raising death rates.
War and conflict – Violence and unrest cause many deaths and damage health services.
Famine and drought – Food shortages lead to malnutrition and higher death rates.
Unsafe water – Dirty water spreads deadly diseases like cholera and typhoid.
Poor sanitation – Increases the spread of infections and disease.
Weak healthcare systems – Few hospitals, medicines, and trained staff mean people can’t get proper treatment.
High infant mortality – Many babies die young, adding to the overall death rate.
Why are death rates falling globally?
Better medicine and treatments – More diseases can be cured or managed, so fewer people die.
Vaccinations – Prevent diseases before they start, especially in vulnerable groups.
Free healthcare – More people can access doctors and hospitals, helping them live longer.
Global food trade – Access to a wider variety of food improves diets and overall health.
Safer childbirth – More women get care during pregnancy and birth, saving mothers and babies.
Less malnutrition – Better nutrition means people are stronger and less likely to die from illness.
Impact of rapid population growth
Government response: migration – Some countries encourage emigration to reduce pressure on resources.
Pressure on schools – Too many children can lead to overcrowded classrooms and lower education quality.
Housing problems – Not enough homes leads to the growth of shanty towns and poor living conditions.
Job shortages – More people competing for jobs increases unemployment and poverty.
Lack of affordable housing – High demand causes housing shortages and overcrowding.
More poverty = more crime – Poor living conditions often lead to higher crime rates.
Overcrowded transport – Buses and trains become packed, and traffic congestion increases.
Positive: large workforce – A big working-age population can attract businesses, create jobs, and boost the economy.
Impact of slow population growth
Child-focused industries suffer – Fewer children means less demand for toys, clothes, and baby products.
School closures – Fewer students, especially in rural areas, can lead to school shut-downs and increased rural-to-urban migration.
Labour shortages – A smaller working-age population makes it harder for businesses to find skilled workers.
Slower economic growth – With fewer people working, the country produces less and collects less in taxes.
Higher taxes – Governments may raise taxes to fund pensions, healthcare, and other services.
Raised retirement age – People may have to work longer to support the pension system.
Increased immigration – Countries may bring in foreign workers to boost population and fill job gaps.
Factors affecting population density
Physical Factors (Natural Conditions)
Flat land – Easier to build homes, roads, and factories, attracting more people.
Coastal areas – Access to the sea supports trade and fishing, leading to high population densities.
Fertile soil – Good for farming, so more people can grow food and settle.
Natural resources – Areas with coal, oil, or forests offer jobs and attract workers.
Human Factors (People and Politics)
Urban job opportunities – Cities like London have many jobs, pulling people in and increasing population density.
Migration and refugees – People move to safer areas or refugee camps, creating population spikes.
Stable governments – Countries with safety and human rights attract more people to live there.
CBD: changes
One-way streets – Reduce right turns and tailbacks, improving traffic flow.
Bus lanes – Help buses avoid traffic and reach destinations faster.
Cycle lanes – Promote eco-friendly travel and reduce pollution.
Building conversions – Turn empty buildings into homes, making the CBD more lively and attractive.
Glass buildings – Use natural light to boost worker productivity.
Pedestrianised streets – Safer for people, increase foot traffic and shop sales, and cut down car emissions.
Emission-free zones – Improve air quality for residents and workers.
Greenery (trees/plants) – Absorb CO₂ from cars and improve the environment.
CBD: traffic management
Better public transport – Expanding buses, trams, subways, and trains encourages people to leave their cars at home.
Congestion charges – Drivers pay to enter the CBD at busy times, reducing traffic and encouraging public transport.
Carpooling and ridesharing – Fewer cars on the road when people share rides.
Bike lanes and walkways – Make cycling and walking safer and more appealing.
Park-and-ride – Let commuters park outside the city and take public transport into the CBD.
Pedestrian-only zones – Ban cars in some areas to improve safety, reduce pollution, and create a more pleasant environment.
Inner city: changes
Improved Transport – New or better transport links (e.g., Partick interchange) make commuting easier between inner city and CBD.(1)
Much of Glasgow’s housing stock was run down and in need of repair so the
government invested money to renovate the old tenements by putting in new
windows, bathrooms and double glazing (1)
Some of the poorer housing/tower
blocks were pulled down (1) and replaced by new housing to improve living
conditions in regenerated areas like Glasgow harbour (1)
To try to improve unemployment the
government invested in the service sector with many jobs being created in call
centres (1)
Improvements
made to the environment by adding green space and landscaping(1).
Problems with shanty town housing
Informal construction – Homes built from salvaged materials lack stability, insulation, and proper sanitation.
Overcrowding – Homes are packed closely together, straining resources and increasing disease risks.
Lack of basic infrastructure – No clean water, sewage systems, or sanitation, leading to health problems and waterborne diseases.
Unplanned settlements – Narrow, winding streets make it hard for emergency services or waste collection to reach residents.
Vulnerable terrain – Homes on steep hillsides are at risk of landslides, especially in heavy rain.
Crime and violence – Drug cartels and organized crime cause insecurity and danger in the community.
Illegal electricity connections – “Tapping” power lines is unsafe, causing electrical fires and posing safety risks.
Strategies to improve shanty towns
Cable cars – Connect favela communities to the CBD, making commuting easier for work, education, and healthcare access.
Containment walls – Control the physical spread of favelas to prevent settlements from expanding into dangerous or environmentally sensitive areas.
Artistic transformations – Colourful paintings and decorations boost pride, identity, and community spirit.
Housing improvements – Programs to plaster homes, making them more durable, water-resistant, and livable.
Pacification initiatives – Military-led efforts to remove drug cartels and reduce crime, improving safety in favelas.
Community programs – Vocational training, educational support, healthcare services, and youth programs to improve quality of life.
Changes to farming in the UK
Alternative Income Sources – Farmers are turning old workers’ cottages into holiday rentals, offering farm tours, or starting farm shops to create additional revenue.
Renewable Energy – Some farmers install wind turbines or solar panels on their land to generate extra income and reduce reliance on subsidies.
Promotes Tourism – Farm tours and outdoor activities attract visitors to rural areas, benefiting local economies and offering farmers a new source of income.
New Farming Technology
Precision Farming – GPS-guided equipment and smart sensors help farmers plant seeds, apply fertilizers, and manage irrigation more efficiently, reducing waste.
Drones – Drones are used for aerial surveillance of crops, identifying pest infestations or diseases, and applying treatments more precisely.
Automated Machinery – Tractors, combine harvesters, and even robots can work around the clock, reducing the need for manual labor and improving productivity.
Changes to farming in India
Increased Crop Resistance – GM crops are designed to be resistant to pests, droughts, and diseases, improving harvest reliability and reducing the need for pesticides.
Nutritional Benefits – Some GM crops, like golden rice, are enhanced with additional nutrients, improving health outcomes, particularly in developing regions.
Costly for Farmers – GM seeds can be expensive, making them difficult to afford for farmers in developing countries, and the crops may crossbreed with non-GM varieties unintentionally.
New Farming Technologies
Increased Efficiency – The use of machinery like tractors and drones speeds up farming tasks, leading to higher crop yields and reduced manual labor.
Water Conservation – Technologies like drip irrigation and solar-powered water pumps ensure more efficient water use, reducing waste and improving crop productivity.
High Initial Costs – While modern farming technologies increase yields, the high upfront cost of equipment and ongoing maintenance can be a financial burden for many farmers.
Factors affecting population density
Climate – Areas with a mild, temperate climate are more densely populated because they are comfortable to live and work in. Extreme climates like deserts or polar regions discourage large populations due to harsh living conditions.
Relief (Shape of the Land) – Flat, lowland areas attract more people because they are easier to build on, farm, and travel across. In contrast, mountainous areas have thin soils, are harder to farm, and are difficult to access, leading to low population density.
Soil Fertility – Places with fertile soil, like river valleys, support farming and food production, encouraging higher population densities. Poor, infertile soils make farming difficult, so fewer people live there.
Natural Resources – Areas rich in natural resources like coal, oil, and minerals attract industries and workers, leading to higher population density. Regions without resources offer fewer job opportunities and have lower populations.
Job Opportunities – Places with lots of work, especially in industries, services, and technology, attract people looking for employment. Rural or isolated areas often have fewer jobs, leading to lower population densities.
Transport and Communication – Areas with good transport links, such as major roads, ports, and railways, are more accessible and attract larger populations. Remote areas with poor transport connections tend to have fewer people.
