examine the factors which influence the distribution and density of population in an area.
Answers
Physical Factors
High Density
Low Density
Relief
(shape and height of land) Low land which is flat e.g. Ganges Valley in India High land that is mountainous e.g. Himalayas
Resources Areas rich in resources (e.g. coal, oil, wood, fishing etc.) tend to densely populated e.g. Western Europe Areas with few resources tend to be sparsely populated e.g. The Sahel
Climate Areas with temperate climates tend to be densely populated as there is enough rain and heat to grow crops e.g. UK Areas with extreme climates of hot and cold tend to be sparsely populated e.g. the Sahara Desert
Human Factors
High Density
Low Density
Political Countries with stable governments tend to have a high population density e.g. Singapore Unstable countries tend to have lower population densities as people migrate e.g. Afghanistan.
Social Groups of people want to live close to each other for security e.g. USA Other groups of people prefer to be isolated e.g. Scandinavians
Economic Good job opportunities encourage high population densities, particularly in large cities in MEDCs and LEDCs around the world. Limited job opportunities cause some areas to be sparsely populated e.g. Amazon Rainforest