An Introduction to the world of population Theme D – GCSE

Distribution and Density Population Distribution is the spread or the pattern of people in an area. We need to look at the reasons for this pattern Population Density – This is the number of people who live in a given area. It is calculated for a particular country using the following equation No of people in a particular country Population Density = Size of that country (km²)

Turn to Page 136 in Complete Geography The population of the world is growing at an extremely fast rate. According to the United Nations Population fund World Population reached 6 million in 1999, an addition of a billion in only 12 years. Nearly half are under the age of 25 Population is growing at the rate of 76 million a year. More than 70 million will be added each year for at least the next 15 years

The Global distribution of population is uneven

Size of box represents population total per country

Population Distribution of the World (2000) Source: Landscan

Why do people not live in some places in the world? Relief Life can be difficult in hilly and mountainous areas. It is difficult to use machinery on upland areas. People find it difficult to live in these places. Only people who have enough money to overcome the problems can live in this environment. They can have food and fuel resources brought to them – but if there is any break down – they will not be able to survive. Climate People do not like to live in very hot (desert) or very cold (tundra, taiga or artic conditions). It is uncomfortable and the human body is not designed to live here without help of some sort.

Human Reasons for a low population density Economic reasons – jobs Economic reasons – farming Social reasons – Family and friends However, on the whole the reason why people do not live in remote areas of the world is because it is difficult to survive because of the the physical factors like climate, soils, vegetation and other animals. However, with an increasing emphasis on new technologies – there may be a movement over the next few years when people move back to the extremes.

Physical reasons for the distribution of population Altitude Latitude Relief Climate Soils Mineral and Energy Resources Refer to the typed sheets that have notes on these and make a summary of each explanation

Non-Physical reasons for the distribution of population (including Human) Type and scale of Economic Activity Political Influences Historical Processes Demographic Factors Refer to the typed sheets that have notes on these and make a summary of each explanation

Factors of Population Physical Factors These are the essential for life Oxygen Water Warmth Food Living Space Climate and soils Energy and Minerals Human Factors This involves the jobs and social organisation of the population Level of technology Economic activity Social Organisation

Population Density and Distribution across the world You must make sure that you can explain the pattern of the population density and distribution of the world. You must be able to quote 2 examples (at least) of a densely populated area and 2 examples of a sparsely populated area.

Dense and Sparse A Densely populated area is an area (normally a km²) where there area lot of people living. A Sparsely populated area is an area where few people live.

World Case Study You need to have a good general knowledge of places in the world where there are Sparsely and Densely populated areas. (At least 2 of each) Make a copy of Map A on Page 4 of WWF Using the map on the next slide – make a list of the areas/regions of the world that are Dense/Sparse

European Case Study: France You need to have an in-depth knowledge of the Distribution and Density of the population in France. 1.Look at Page 137 in Complete Geography 2.Make a copy of the French section of the European map 3.What do you notice about the main areas of dense and sparse population? 4.Look at the information on DG1.6 and take notes. 5.Then look at the maps of the French population! The main one you want to look at is the top left which shows the main pattern of distribution.

Population Distribution of the World (2000) Source: Landscan

Population Distribution of the UK (2000) Source: Landscan

Population Distribution in the UK Using the work sheets which look at and explain the pattern of the population distribution and density of the UK. You must be able to explain the pattern. Use sheet DG1.7 to complete a summary