UK Human (5) Flashcards
Where is population density the highest?
In urban cities
It’s also high in areas around major cities
Rural areas are sparsely populated
Describe the amount and type of economic activity in Urban cores
- Higher concentration of economic activity
- Main employment opportunities are in the tertiary sector (retail, finance) and manufacturing (electronics, food and drink)
- More jobs available which are often better paid
Describe the amount and type of economic activity in Rural areas
- Usually have fewer job opportunities
- More primary industry (farming, fishing)
- Seasonal tourism industry (cafés, hotels in Lake District)
- Some rural settlements near urban areas are commuter settlements - people live there and travel into urban areas for work
Describe the age structure of Urban areas
Higher proportion of younger people in major cities as more of the population are of a working-age looking for jobs
Describe the age structure of Rural areas
Higher proportion of older people as they move out of cities to retire to a more peaceful environment
Younger people leave rural areas to work in cities
Explain why some rural areas are struggling to grow economically
- Isolated rural areas on the periphery of the UK are relatively inaccessible. There are fewer employment opportunities here. Young people leave here to find other jobs, leading to depopulation which leads to a loss of services as they can’t be supported any longer.
- Rural areas around former industrial areas struggle as the loss of manufacturing industry has caused high unemployment
Name the policies the government are using to reduce differences in Wealth
Creating Enterprise Zones
Transport Infrared
Regional Development
Explain how Creating Enterprise Zones has reduce differences in Wealth
- Offer companies reduced taxes, improved infrastructure and simpler planning rules
- Encourages companies to locate in areas of high unemployment, helping poor areas develop
Explain how Transport Infrastructure can reduce differences in Wealth
- The UK government plans to link major cities with the HS2 rail line
- Allows faster journeys into major cities, promoting industry and jobs in poorer rural areas
Explain how Regional Development can reduce differences in Wealth
- Promotes growth in poorer rural areas by investing in small high-tech businesses, providing training to improve people’s skills
- Funds infrastructure eg high speed broadband to attract businesses and R&D centres
- Creates skilled jobs, attracting young graduates, boosting the local economy
How does Migration affect the Distribution of people in the UK
- Young migrants move to major cities - where the most jobs and universities are located
- Lots of counter-urbanisation as wealthy people move out of cities for a better quality of life in rural areas
- Many older people move to coastal areas when they retire (east and south-east)
How does Migration affect the Age Structure of people in the UK
- Large number of young migrants increases the population in this age group
- Also increases the birth rate as many migrants are of the child-bearing age
What has happened to employment sectors in recent times?
- Farming has become more mechanised so fewer people are needed, declining the Primary industry
- Secondary industry declined partly due to global shift (companies moving overseas where costs are cheaper)
- Employment in the service sector has increased especially retail - people have more disposable income to spend. Finance is also an important part of the economy - London is home to many global financial institutions
- Quaternary industries eg. IT and research are increasing, making use of skilled workers
Which Industry has declined in Burnley?
Secondary
- In the early 20th century, it had a thriving economy based on textiles
- This collapsed from 1914 due to cheaper imports
- Major factories closed in the 1990’s with the loss of hundreds of jobs
- Low employment rate with poor wages - low-skilled service jobs don’t pay well, so people are more likely to leave there - depopulation and decline of services
What is FDI and what are the 2 forms of it?
A company in one country can invest money in a different country - foreign direct investment (FDI)
- companies can buy land or buildings and locate factories / offices there
- companies can buy all or a part of an already existing business
Has FDI increased in the UK, and where does most of this investment come from?
Yes, it has increased in the UK
TNCs
Name the 3 reasons why FDI has increased in the UK
Globalisation
Privatisation
Free Trade Policies
Explain why Globalisation has lead to an increase in FDI in the UK
- Process of countries becoming more integrated
- Transport and Communication links have improved, making it easier to operate in the UK
- London has developed as a global financial centre - many foreign banks have located there because of the business culture and networking opportunities
Explain why Privatisation has lead to an increase in FDI in the UK
- Services previously owned run by the UK government have been offered to private firms
- Foreign firms can buy them or merge them with their existing businesses, increasing FDI
- eg many electricity brands are owned by foreign companies
Explain why Free Trade Policies have led to an increase in FDI in the UK
- They reduce import and export restrictions, making it easier for countries to trade
- Free trade agreements with other countries can attract investors to the UK who want access to the European market
- Free trade promoted between member countries of the EU, increasing FDI from the EU as companies can move goods freely
- However, the UK voted to leave the EU, so the future of free trade policies is uncertain
Benefits of being affected by TNCs investing in the UK economy
- Jobs are created
- Large-scale projects can be built that the UK government can’t afford to pay eg investing in infrastructure (turbines, cables)
Drawbacks of being affected by TNCs investing in the UK economy
- Can lead to an over-reliance on TNCs
- Local business struggle to compete against TNCs
- Big effects if they change suppliers of relocate eg many UK farmers are dependent on TNCS who buy their produce
If international immigration increases, what else increases?
Cultural Diversity
- introduce languages, food, fashion, festivals, arts from their own culture
