Asian Pacific Populations and Land Use Humanities: Geography Level 5

Asian Pacific Populations - The Asia Pacific Region has the largest and most diverse population on earth. - The 2 most populated countries in the world are found here. WHAT ARE THEY? CHINA and INDIA - The Asia Pacific region also features large areas of low populated environments - WHAT DO U THINK THESE ARE?

DESERTS FORESTS As a class: Discuss why these areas have a low population density. MOUNTAINS

Asian Pacific Populations - Although there are many large cities, much of the land area has low POPULATION DENSITIES - Most of the land is so mountainous, forested, barren, hot or cold that few people live there. - Mongolia and Australia have the lowest population densities in the region. WHY?

The Pacific Islands - There are 20 000 to 30 000 islands scattered across the pacific ocean. - About 14 000 000 people live on islands in the pacific - Only Fiji, Hawaii, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand have large numbers of people. - Australia is the largest neighbour of most pacific nations. This region is often referred to as OCEANIA

POPULATION DENSITY - The population density of a region is a measure of the number of people per square kilometer who live there. - It is calculated by dividing the regions population by its area (in square kilometers)

POPULATION DENSITY - MONGOLIA’S population density. Area: 1 564 160 square km Population density= 2 667 000 1 564 160 = 1.7 people per square km (Round answer to nearest decimal point).

ACTIVITY - Pick one of the following countries and calculate the population density. - As a class arrange the countries in decreasing order of population density.

Population Density across the Asia Pacific Region

DISCUSSION - Why is the Asia Pacific region such an area of contrasts with respect to its population? Give examples. - Compare countries with large population densities (e.g. Bangladesh) in contrast to Australia (2.5 people per square km). - Using the previous slide describe where the bulk of the Asia Pacific population is distributed. Suggest reasons for this!

Australia’s Human Environments - Population density of the Aboriginals was highest in coastal and river areas where food was plentiful. - They were hunter gatherers who survived on native animals (kangaroos, wallabies) fruits and grubs. - When food supply ran low, they moved on.

Australia’s Human Environments - European settlers adopted a new type of settlement - They changed the natural environment. - Brainstorm the ways in which you think they did this. WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE? - Building permanent towns and clearing land to build farms

Australia’s Human Environments - 86% of people now live in towns that have a population of 1000 or more. - The distribution of Australia's population is heavily concentrated on the urban areas along the south east coast. - There are many reasons why Australians prefer to live in coastal regions rather than in inland areas. - WHAT MAY BE THE REASONS FOR THIS? Discuss with the person next to you and be ready to share your answers.

Australia’s Human Environments - CLIMATE: South Eastern Australia has a pleasant temperature climate and good rainfall which enables the region to support a wide range of farming activities - RELIABLE WATER SUPPLY: Rivers to the east of the Great Dividing Range provide a reliable water supply. - HISTORY: Settlements grew around big harbours for transport of migrants, exports and imports. Provide a base around which towns and cities grow

Asian Pacific land use

Asian Pacific Land Use - Traditionally the bulk of people in the Asia Pacific made a living off farming. - Agriculture is still very important. WHAT ARE THE MAIN PRODUCTS PRODUCED IN THE REGION? - Rice, Wheat, Beef, Wool, etc - HOWEVER: The economies of countries have changed, and therefore land use has been changing.

Asian Pacific Land Use - Key economic activities include: manufacturing, agriculture and fishing. - Rapid growth in industry. - Large scale manufacturing takes place in: China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Iron and steel, Cars, Electronic goods, Machinery, Textiles.

ACTICITY Spend two minutes looking at the items around you. Where are they made? ITEMS CAN INCLUDE Clothes, Pencil cases, Pens, Calculators, Furniture, Computers, Mobile phones etc - Report findings through a class discussion

Asian Pacific Land Use AGRICULTURE The most populated Asian Pacific regions are also the most suitable farming. - Main crops are wheat and rice (90% of worlds rice comes from Asia, mainly China and India) Rubber and Tea is produced in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. India produces bulk cotton and sugar Livestock farming includes: sheep, cattle, poultry, camels and pigs, while fishing is a vital industry in coastal regions Australia and NZ are major exporters of wool.

AGRICULTURE Agriculture across regions

RAW MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING Asian Pacific Land Use RAW MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING The exploitation of mineral deposits influences the way land is used. Mines and processing centers are established while roads and railways may be built to transport raw or processed goods. Most heavy industrial and manufacturing activity occurs in countries such as India, China, Taiwan and Japan.

Changing Land Use - The change to modern industries and related infrastructure, has bought increased wealth and an improved standard of living in the Asia Pacific region. - HOWEVER these changes are raising concerns. WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY MIGHT BE?

Changing Land Use - Growing environmental problems: Air pollution, Land degradation, Industrial waste - Impact on the distribution of flora and fauna which can affect the food chain. - Pressure on natural resources created by a rapidly growing population and increasingly limited supply of land and water

ACTIVITY - To further develop knowledge and understanding: Complete the activities on page 153 of Humanities Alive 2