The World Population Distribution, Density, and Growth

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the patterns of global population distribution.
2. Analyze factors influencing population density.
3. Comprehend various types of population growth and the factors contributing to it.
4. Explore the impact of population changes on global resources and economy.

The population of a country is its true wealth, shaping its policies and development. Knowing how many people live in a country, where they reside, and what they do is essential. At the dawn of the 21st century, the global population exceeded 6 billion. We will examine the patterns of population distribution and density, focusing on why people choose certain regions over others.

Patterns of Population Distribution in the World

Population distribution refers to how people are spread across the Earth. About 90% of the world’s population lives on only 10% of its land. The 10 most populous countries, with 6 in Asia, account for approximately 60% of the global population.

Key Observations:

1. Concentration in Certain Areas: Asia contains both highly populated and sparsely populated regions, reflecting global distribution patterns.
2. Geographical Concentration: Population tends to cluster in regions with favorable living conditions, such as river valleys and flat plains.

Important Note: “Asia has many places where people are few and few places where people are very many.” – George B. Cressey.

Density of Population

Population density is the ratio of people to the size of the land, usually measured in persons per square kilometer. For example, if Region X has an area of 100 sq km and a population of 150,000, its density would be 1,500 persons per sq km.

Factors Influencing the Distribution of Population

I. Geographical Factors

1. Availability of Water: Areas with fresh water are highly populated due to the need for drinking, agriculture, and industries. River valleys are particularly densely populated.
2. Landforms: Flat plains and gentle slopes attract populations due to their suitability for agriculture and construction, whereas mountainous areas tend to have lower populations.
3. Climate: Extreme climates like deserts or polar regions discourage human habitation. Pleasant climates, such as the Mediterranean, are more attractive.
4. Soils: Fertile soils support agriculture, encouraging higher population density.

II. Economic Factors

1. Minerals: Regions rich in minerals often attract industries, leading to employment opportunities and population growth. Examples include Africa’s copper belt.
2. Urbanization: Cities offer better jobs, education, healthcare, and living standards, attracting rural populations and increasing urban density.
3. Industrialization: Industrial regions provide numerous employment opportunities, attracting a wide range of professionals, from factory workers to doctors.

III. Social and Cultural Factors

Some areas attract populations due to religious or cultural significance, while others lose populations due to political unrest. Governments may also incentivize movement to less populated areas.

Population Growth

Population growth refers to the change in the number of inhabitants over time. This change can be positive or negative and is expressed either as absolute numbers or percentages. Population growth is a key indicator of economic and social development.

Key Concepts:

1. Growth of Population: The difference in population size between two points in time, such as between the census years.
2. Growth Rate: Population change expressed as a percentage.
3. Natural Growth of Population: This is the difference between births and deaths.
4. Actual Growth: This includes births, deaths, and migration, both inward and outward.
5. Positive Growth: Occurs when the birth rate exceeds the death rate, or due to immigration.
6. Negative Growth: Results when the death rate exceeds the birth rate, or due to emigration.

Components of Population Change

1. Birth Rate: The number of live births per thousand people in a year.
2. Death Rate: The number of deaths per thousand people in a year. Population growth can occur both through increased births and decreased deaths.
3. Migration: Movement of people from one place to another, affecting both the population of the origin and destination regions.

Important Note: Migration affects both the place of origin and the destination, creating immigrants and emigrants, with push and pull factors influencing movement.

Push Factors: Include unemployment, poor living conditions, and political turmoil.

Pull Factors: Include better job opportunities, improved living conditions, and political stability.

Trends in Population Growth

Historically, the world population grew slowly, but the rate increased dramatically after the Industrial Revolution. Technological advances reduced death rates, accelerating population growth. The current global population exceeds 7 billion, and it continues to grow rapidly in developing countries.

Doubling Time of Population

The time it takes for the global population to double has significantly shortened over the centuries. For instance, it took 1,500 years for the population to grow from 5 million to 500 million, but only 47 years to double from 2 billion to 4 billion.

Spatial Patterns of Population Change

Population growth varies across regions. Developed countries generally experience slower growth compared to developing countries, where population is “exploding” due to a higher birth rate and lower death rate.

Impact of Population Change

While a small increase in population can be beneficial for a growing economy, excessive growth leads to resource depletion. Conversely, a decline in population may indicate inadequate resources. HIV/AIDS epidemics in parts of Africa have slowed population growth by increasing death rates.

Demographic Transition

Demographic transition theory explains how populations evolve from high birth and death rates to low rates as societies modernize. This occurs in three stages:

1. Stage I: High birth and death rates, slow population growth, predominantly agrarian societies.
2. Stage II: Birth rates remain high, but death rates decline due to improved healthcare and sanitation, leading to rapid population growth.
3. Stage III: Both birth and death rates decline, resulting in stable or slow population growth, with societies becoming urban and industrialized.

Important Note: Different countries are at various stages of demographic transition, influenced by their socio-economic development.

Population Control Measures

To manage population growth, family planning is essential. This includes the use of contraceptives, awareness campaigns, and financial incentives. Thomas Malthus predicted that unchecked population growth would outpace food supply, leading to famine and other crises. Thus, controlling population growth is crucial for resource sustainability.

MCQ:
Which of the following is not a push factor for migration?
Answer: Medical/educational facilities.

By understanding the factors influencing population distribution, density, and growth, we can better grasp the challenges and opportunities that come with managing the world’s population.