Unit 6 Population Distribution & Growth

Population Density Refers to the number of people in a certain area of land A ratio can be calculated by: Population ÷ land area = number of people per unit of land Using NL for example: 551,792 (Population) ÷ 405,720 km 2 (Land Area) = 1.36 There is 1.36 people/km 2

Population Density What is the population density of: Bangladesh –Population 127,117,967 –Land Area 133,910 km 2 POPULATION DENSITY = 949 people/ km 2 Brazil –Population 171,853,126 –Land Area 8,456,510 km 2 POPULATION DENSITY = 20 people/ km 2

How populated? Densely populated = More than 100 people/ km 2 Sparsely populated = Less than 100 people/ km 2 Bangladesh? 949 people/ km 2 Densely populated Brazil? 20 people/ km 2 Sparsely populated NL? 1.36 people/ km 2 Sparsely populated

Population Density NOT a good indicator of Population Distribution Why not? Assumes people are equally/evenly spread out. For example: A country can have a low population density, but Cities within that country can have a very high population density. Country of Spain = people/ km 2 City of Barcelona, Spain = 3404 people/ km 2

Population Distribution Describes how people are spread out. Where people live! When combined with population density gives a more accurate picture of the population. Where are the heavier concentrations of people versus the sparsely populated areas.

Identify global patterns of population distribution Use MAP ( figure 18.5) on page 304 Make reference to density AND locations

North America –Sparsely populated in north –Densely populated along North eastern U.S. and south western U.S. –WHY?

South America –Sparsely populated in Center –Densely populated along Western Coast –But most dense south eastern Brazil. –WHY?

Europe –Sparsely populated in Extreme North –Densely populated throughout. –WHY?

Asia –Sparsely populated in North & center –Densely populated in South East –WHY?

Africa –Sparsely populated in Sahara –Densely in North & Sub Sahara –WHY?

Factors affecting Population Density and Distribution Climate: –Warmer comfortable climates attract people. –Most people live in a moderate climate region. Economics: –Population distribution has changed over time. –No longer are dense populations around primary resources. –Urbanization and the move to the industrial and now the information ages have changed population distribution. Transportation: –Coastal regions attracted business and people because of ocean transportation. –It was true for initial settlement and is still true today. –Most major cities are located on the coast.