Explain the factors which affect the distribution of population.
Answers
Factors Affecting Distribution of Population :
People want to settle in areas where food, water and land are easily available. Although, one single factor mein not determine population distribution but collectively they play a deciding role in it. All these factors can be grouped into physical factors and economic factors.
★ PHYSICAL FACTORS : Physical factors include relief, climate, soil, water and vegetation.
Relief : High mountains, rugged terrain and Rocky plateau restricts human settlements. Here, the transportation is very difficult and the living conditions are not very favourable. The mountain ranges transportation is very difficult and the living conditions are not very favourable. The mountain ranges of Andes, Himalayas, plateau and rockies of Tibet are sparsely populated. On the other hand, plain areas of the world are most favourable place for human habitation where transportation facilities are good and rivers are navigable. In the fertile lowlands of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra in India, etc,.... A large concentration of people is found. Plains are also good for agricultural and industrial activity in the world and important cities of the world have been built on plains.
Climate : Climate is one of the most important factors affecting the distribution of population. People prefer to live in the regions where temperature and rainfall are moderate. Excessive heat, cold, dryness or wetness cause discomport.
Therefore, on the other hand favourable climatic conditions in the monsoon regions of India and Bangladesh attract large concentration of population.
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★ ECONOMIC FACTORS : Economic factors include availability of minerals, location of industries, developed means of transport and communication and government policies.
Minerals : Mineral deposits play or dominant role in the population distribution. The presence of coal and iron ore in the different parts of the world has been attracted huge population in this area because these are ki minerals required for Iron and steel industries. Saudi Arabia and South Africa have attracted large groups of migrants because of the availability of petroleum. Similarly, the hilly areas of jharkhand have rich mineral resource attracting large industrial settlements.
Industries : Development of industries in any region has a favourable impact on the employment opportunities. An industrial labour earns a higher wage than an agricultural labourer. industrial hubs attract people from far off places. The Eastern part of USA, peninsular plateau in India and western Europe are some examples which have a larger concentration of population mainly because they are highly industrialised.