The World Population Distribution, Density and Growth Class 12
Explore the global patterns of population density and distribution, factors influencing population distribution, concepts of population growth and demographic transition.
Contents
Extra Questions - The World Population Distribution, Density and Growth | Fundamentals of Human Geography | Geography | Class 12
NCERT Solutions - The World Population Distribution, Density and Growth | Fundamentals of Human Geography | Geography | Class 12
Based on the chapter provided, the continent with the highest density of population is Asia. However, when it comes to population growth, current global data and trends have shown that Africa has the highest growth rate of population.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
(a) Africa
Follow-up Questions:
The correct answer is (b) South-east Asia.
Explanation: South-east Asia is known for its high population density, unlike the other regions listed (The Atacama Desert, Equatorial regions, and Polar regions) which are sparsely populated.
Follow-up Questions:
The correct answer is (b) Medical/educational facilities.
Medical and educational facilities are pull factors, as they attract people to an area rather than pushing them away.
Follow-up Questions:
(b) Population growth is high in the first stage of demographic transition.
In the first stage of demographic transition, both fertility and mortality are high, leading to slow population growth, not high.
Follow-up Questions:
Three geographical factors that influence the distribution of population are:
Availability of water: People prefer to live in areas where fresh water is easily available as it is essential for drinking, bathing, cooking, agriculture, and other activities.
Landforms: Flat plains and gentle slopes are favorable for the production of crops, building roads and industries, making them more densely populated compared to mountainous and hilly areas which hinder development.
Climate: Comfortable climates with little seasonal variation attract more people, while extreme climates such as very hot or cold deserts have low population densities.
Follow-up Questions:
Areas with high population density are typically influenced by several geographical, economic, and socio-cultural factors:
Geographical Factors:
Availability of water: Areas with access to fresh water, like river valleys, are densely populated due to the need for water in drinking, bathing, cooking, agriculture, industries, and navigation.
Landforms: People prefer flat plains and gentle slopes for their favorable conditions for agriculture, road construction, and industrial development. For example, the Ganga plains are very densely populated.
Climate: Regions with comfortable climates, without extreme variations, attract more people. Unpleasant climates, such as very hot or cold deserts, have low populations.
Soils: Fertile soils support intensive agriculture, thus attracting more people. Areas with infertile soils are less populated.
Economic Factors:
Minerals: Regions with mineral deposits attract industries and, consequently, population due to employment opportunities. For instance, the Katanga-Zambia copper belt is densely populated.
Urbanization: Cities attract people due to better employment, education, medical facilities, transport, communication, and civic amenities.
Industrialization: Industrial areas provide numerous job opportunities and attract workers and service providers, leading to high population density.
Social and Cultural Factors:
Religious or cultural significance: Some places attract more people due to religious or cultural importance.
Political stability: Areas with social and political stability are more attractive to people.
Overall, high population density results from a combination of favorable environmental conditions, economic opportunities, social significance, and political stability.
Follow-up Questions:
The three components of population change are:
Births
Deaths
Migration
Follow-up Questions:
(i) Birth rate vs. Death rate
| Aspect | Birth Rate | Death Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Number of live births per 1,000 people in a year | Number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year |
| Formula | ||
| Role in Population Change | Contributes to population growth | Contributes to population decline |
| Indicator of | Fertility and reproductive health in a population | Mortality and health conditions in a population |
(ii) Push factors vs. Pull factors of migration
| Aspect | Push Factors | Pull Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Negative attributes that drive people away from their place of origin | Positive attributes that attract people to a new place |
| Examples | Unemployment, poor living conditions, political turmoil, natural disasters | Better job opportunities, superior living conditions, peace, and stability |
| Effect on Origin | Decrease in the population | Generally no direct effect on the origin's population |
| Effect on Destination | Generally no direct effect on the destination's population | Increase in the population |
Follow-up Questions:
The distribution and density of population in the world are influenced by multiple factors, which can be categorized into geographical factors, economic factors, and social and cultural factors.
I. Geographical Factors
Availability of water:
Most important factor for life.
People prefer areas with easily available fresh water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and other uses.
River valleys are among the most densely populated areas because of this.
Landforms:
Flat plains and gentle slopes are preferred as they favor crop production and infrastructure development.
Mountainous and hilly areas hinder transport and development, thus less populated.
Example: The Ganga plains are densely populated, whereas the Himalayas are scarcely populated.
Climate:
Comfortable climates with minimal seasonal variation attract more people.
Extreme climates, such as deserts, and regions with very heavy rainfall tend to be less populated.
Example: Mediterranean regions have been attractive due to their pleasant climate.
Soils:
Fertile soils support intensive agriculture, attracting more people.
Areas with poor soils are thinly populated.
II. Economic Factors
Minerals:
Areas rich in mineral deposits attract industries and generate employment.
Example: Katanga-Zambia copper belt in Africa.
Urbanisation:
Cities offer better employment opportunities, educational and medical facilities, and other amenities.
These factors lead to rural to urban migration.
Industrialisation:
Industrial belts provide various job opportunities and attract a large population.
Example: The Kobe-Osaka region of Japan is densely populated due to various industries.
III. Social and Cultural Factors
Religious or cultural significance:
Some places attract people due to their religious or cultural importance.
Political unrest:
Areas with social and political unrest see out-migration.
Government incentives:
Incentives to live in sparsely populated areas or move away from overcrowded places can affect population distribution.
Conclusion
Understanding these factors can help explain why certain areas of the world are more densely populated than others and how various elements come together to influence where people live.
Follow-up Questions:
The three stages of demographic transition are explained as follows:
First Stage:
High Fertility and High Mortality.
People reproduce more to make up for deaths due to epidemics and variable food supply.
Slow population growth.
Majority of the population is engaged in agriculture and large families are considered an asset.
Low life expectancy, high illiteracy, and low levels of technology.
Example: This was where all countries were approximately 200 years ago.
Second Stage:
High Fertility initially, but it declines over time.
Reduced Mortality Rate due to improvements in sanitation and health conditions.
High net addition to population due to the gap between high birth rates and declining death rates.
Third Stage:
Low Fertility and Low Mortality.
Population is either stable or grows slowly.
More urbanized, literate population with high technical know-how that deliberately controls family size.
In summary, the demographic transition model shows a shift from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as a society progresses from a rural agrarian framework to an urban industrial one.
Follow-up Questions:
Notes - The World Population Distribution, Density and Growth | Class 12 Fundamentals of Human Geography | Geography
Class 12 Notes: The World Population Distribution, Density, and Growth
Introduction
The study of population distribution, density, and growth is crucial for understanding how humans inhabit the planet. This topic holds considerable significance in the Class 12 curriculum as it touches upon geographic, economic, and social factors that shape our world.
Understanding Population Distribution
Population distribution refers to the way people are spread across the Earth's surface. Examining population distribution helps us understand the demographic characteristics of an area and informs us about human settlement patterns.
Patterns of Population Distribution
Population distribution is highly uneven. For instance, the 10 most populous countries in the world account for around 60% of the global population. Many of these countries, including six in Asia (China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan), showcase significant population densities in specific regions.
World Population Distribution Map
Density of Population
Population density measures the number of people living per unit area, typically expressed as persons per square kilometre (km²). It is calculated using the formula:
For example, if Region X has an area of 100 km² and a population of 150,000 persons, the population density is:
Comparative Population Density of Continents
Factors Influencing Population Distribution
Several factors influence where people chose to live, including geographical, economic, and social influences.
Geographical Factors
- Availability of Water: Areas near fresh water sources, such as rivers and lakes, tend to be densely populated.
- Landforms: Flat plains and gentle slopes support easier agricultural and infrastructural development, attracting more people.
- Climate: Moderate climates with minimal seasonal variation are more attractive for human habitation.
- Soils: Fertile soils support intensive agriculture, which in turn supports higher population densities.
Economic Factors
- Minerals: Regions rich in mineral deposits attract industries and skilled workers, resulting in higher population densities.
- Urbanisation: Cities provide better employment, education, and healthcare facilities, leading to rural-urban migration.
- Industrialisation: Industrial belts create job opportunities, drawing large numbers of people, including factory workers and various service providers.
Social and Cultural Factors
- Religious and Cultural Significance: Areas with religious or cultural importance tend to attract more people.
- Political Stability: Regions with stable governments and peace are preferable for habitation.
Population Growth
Population growth refers to the change in the number of inhabitants over a specific period. It can be measured in absolute numbers or percentages and is influenced by births, deaths, and migration.
Components of Population Change
- Birth Rate: The number of live births per thousand people per year.
- Death Rate: The number of deaths per thousand people per year.
- Migration: The movement of people from one area to another, which can either increase or decrease the population of a region.
Visualising Population Change Components
Demographic Transition Theory
The demographic transition theory explains how a population changes from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a society progresses from a rural, agrarian, and illiterate state to an urban, industrial, and literate one.
Stages of Demographic Transition
- High Birth and Death Rates: Slow population growth; common in agrarian societies.
- Declining Death Rates: Improved health and sanitation; rapid population growth.
- Declining Birth Rates: Increased urbanisation, literacy, and family planning; stable or slow population growth.
Different countries are at various stages of this transition, reflecting their levels of socio-economic development.
Population Control Measures
Family planning promotes the spacing or preventing the birth of children. Effective family planning is vital for controlling population growth and improving women's health. Methods include the dissemination of contraceptive information and providing economic incentives or disincentives for having large families.
Thomas Malthus' theory posited that population growth would outpace food supply, leading to crises like famine, disease, and war. He advocated for preventive measures to control population growth rather than physical checks.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of population distribution, density, and growth equips us with the knowledge needed for effective planning and sustainable development. These concepts play an essential role in shaping policies and ensuring balanced resource utilisation.
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