Population distribution is a term used to describe how humans are spread across the Earth. Population distribution across the Earth is uneven. Some areas are densely populated where as others are sparsely populated. The land surface of the Earth accounts for around 30% of its area. However, only around 11% of the land surface can be comfortably inhabited by humans. There are many human and physical factors that affect population distribution and population density across the world. Physical factors that affect population density include water supply, climate, relief (shape of the land), vegetation, soils and availability of natural resources and energy. Human factors that affect population density include social, political and economic factors. The main factors determining population distribution are : climate, landforms, topography, soil, energy and mineral resources, accessibility like distance from sea coast, natural harbours, navigable rivers or canals, cultural factors, political boundaries, controls on migration and trade, government policies, types of ... Physical factors that affect population distribution include altitude and latitude, relief, climate, soils, vegetation, water and location of mineral and energy resources. ... However, in low latitude areas, which are otherwise hot and less favourable, high altitude provides suitable conditions for human habitation. three basic patterns: uniform, random, or clumped. Factors influencing population growth
Economic development. ...
Education. ...
Quality of children. ...
Welfare payments/State pensions. ...
Social and cultural factors. ...
Availability of family planning. ...
Female labour market participation. ...
Death rates – Level of medical provision. What is population distribution?
Population distribution means the pattern of where people live. World population distribution is uneven. Places which are sparsely populated contain few people. Places which are densely populated contain many people. Sparsely populated places tend to be difficult places to live. These are usually places with hostile environments e.g. Antarctica. The environment in Antarctica makes it a very challenging location to live, with cold temperatures, lack of vegetation and geographical isolation few people live here.
Places which are densely populated are habitable environments e.g. Western Europe and the East Coast of the USA. This can be the result of flat relief, a favourable climate, availability of natural resources and fresh water. Population distribution is also uneven within a country. Locations with favourable conditions are generally more densely populated compared to those in more challenging environments. For example, North Wales has a lower population density than South Wales. In the north the relief is mountainous around Snowdonia, however, in the south, the relief is flat and can be easily built on.
Population distribution is often shown on a map. It can be shown on a dot map, as below, or choropleth map. Answer: Climate.
