Unit 2: Population AP Human Geography

Essential (Big) Questions Where do people live and why do they live where they do? In which regions is population increasing or decreasing? Why does population increase or decrease at different rates in different countries? What are the implications of over and under population?

Critical Issues in Population Geography More people are alive today than at any other time in human history (7 billion +) The world’s population increased at a faster rate during the second half of the twentieth century than ever before. Virtually all population growth today occurs in less developed countries (LDCs) Higher population puts a greater strain on the earth’s resources.

Key Concept: Demography The scientific study of population characteristics. Includes the study of the size, structure and distribution of population, and spatial and/or temporal changes in them in response to birth, migration, aging, and death. The size, structure, and growth of a countries population can affect it’s well-being.

Key Concept: Population Density Population of a place divided by total area – 10,000,000 people living in 1,000,000 sq. miles would be a population density of ____ per sq. mile (arithmetic density) However, population is not evenly distributed and density does not remain constant. Urban areas tend to have higher population density whereas rural areas tend to be less dense.

High Population Density

Low Population Density

Key Concept: Population Distribution Where is population distributed across an the earth? Major population clusters (2/3 of world pop) – East Asia (China, Japan) – South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) – Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines) – Europe (England, Germany, France)

Dot Maps

Global Population Distribution Figure 2-2

Global Population Cartogram

Why did people live in certain places? The ECUMENE= the places on earth that people inhabit. – 75% of humans live on 5% of Earth’s surface. Historically, populations tend to be clustered in areas where: – Food could be grown (arable land) – Fresh water was available – Access/travel was relatively easy

Kaylan’s Question Could everyone on Earth live in Russia? Theoretically, YES! 7 billion people/ 6,592,800 sq. mi.= a population density of 1,061/sq. mi. For reference, the density of CHI is 11,864/sq. mi

Cities by Population Density Manila, Philippines: 111,000/sq. mi. NYC, USA: 27,500/ sq. mi. Tokyo, Japan: 16,000/sq. mi. CHI, USA: 11,864/sq. mi. Palatine, IL, USA: 5,034/sq. mi Ellsworth, MI, USA: 485/sq. mi

Facts About Population Distribution 90% live north of the Equator (more land) 80% live in poorer LDC’s (Latin America, Asia, Africa) Most live close to sea level 2/3 live close to oceans…those who live inland live near rivers or lakes. 50% live in urban areas, 50% in rural – For the 1 st time in history, more live in urban areas. WHY?

Sparsely populated regions People generally avoid: Dry lands Wet lands Cold lands High lands People with bad breath