Global Population Distribution (DP IB Geography)

Revision Note

Physical Factors

  • Population distribution is the pattern of where people have organised themselves to live 

    • Global distribution is uneven as less than a third of the earth’s surface is land

    • 5% of that land supports 75% of the population

    • Much of the planet is unsuitable for human habitation, such as deserts, mountains, and icy wastelands

    • 80% of the population lives in the northern hemisphere 

    • Most people live within 1000 km of the sea

    • 90% of the population live on low ground below 500 m above sea level

  • Density is the number of people living in a certain area

    • Measured in population per km2

    • Approximately 55% of the world now lives in cities but this figure is projected to reach 65% by 2050 as urbanisation increases

    • Western Europe, Southeast Asia and the Northeast USA have high-density areas of over 200 people/km2

  • Change

    • How the population increases or decreases over time

    • The population is never static

      • The distribution, density and number are constantly evolving due to various processes

Global population distribution and density 2020

A world map illustrating population density per square kilometer, color-coded from light blue (0-25) to dark blue (1500-9000). Some regions have no data.
Note that the highest population densities are found in the northern hemisphere

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • If asked to describe population density and distribution in the exam, remember they do not mean the same thing

  • Density refers to the actual number of people living in an area per km2 (P/Km2)

  • Distribution refers to where people live

  • For example; population distribution is uneven across the globe, with the majority of the global population living in the northern hemisphere, however, Asia has the highest population density with approximately 153 P/Km2 compared to Europe with 33 P/Km2

  • The perfect place or climate does not exist, as there are human and physical factors that influence the distribution

  • Physical factors that affect global distribution are:  

    • Climate and weather 

      • Temperate climates with stable weather conditions are more attractive for settlements

      • Areas with even sunlight, temperature and precipitation influence the suitability of land for human habitation and agriculture

      • Areas that are very dry, very cold or very wet will have sparse populations

        • Although India is subject to a seasonal monsoon climate, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world

    • Relief and landforms

      • The shape and elevation of the land affects the accessibility, soil quality, drainage and natural hazards of an area

      • Volcanic areas, river deltas, lowland plains and valleys with fertile soil have higher population densities

      • Steep slopes and mountainous areas with poor-quality soil have low population densities

    • Soil types and quality

      • Volcanic areas can be highly attractive due to the fertile soil and resources and minerals (sulphur, gold, diamonds etc.) brought to the surface for economic activity

      • Flat land is attractive for building settlements and easiest for agricultural activities

    • Vegetation

      • Grasslands are more attractive to the development of settlements

      • Areas with dense forestry, or lack of vegetation have sparse populations 

    • Natural resources such as freshwater, raw materials and minerals

      • The presence of fresh water, minerals, fossil fuels, forests, fisheries and other resources attracts human settlement and economic activity

      • Areas that are dry or suffer from regular drought or excessive rainfall or are prone to flooding are less densely populated

    • Natural hazards

      • The frequency and intensity of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, droughts, hurricanes and other events can deter or displace human populations

    • Location

      • The position of a place in comparison to other places will affect its connectivity, trade, migration and cultural exchange

      • Areas that are difficult to access or have poor communications will be less attractive 

      • Areas that have pests (ticks, termites etc.), dangerous animals/plants (spiders, snakes, poison ivy etc.) or diseases (malaria, Ebola etc.) are usually avoided

Human Factors

  • Human factors can affect population distribution at the global scale and include:

    • Economic development

      • Areas with higher levels of income, trade, and industrialisation tend to attract more people and offer better living standards 

      • Past industrial regions such as Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield have continued higher densities of population

    • Political stability

      • Areas with lower levels of conflict, violence, and corruption tend to be more peaceful and secure, which encourages population growth and migration

    • Cultural diversity

      • Areas with more diverse and tolerant cultures tend to be more attractive and welcoming to people from different backgrounds and identities

    • Social service

      • Areas with better access to education, health care, and social welfare tend to have higher quality of life and lower mortality rates

    • Environmental awareness

      • Areas with more awareness and action on environmental issues tend to have lower levels of pollution, resource depletion, and natural disasters, which enhance population sustainability

    • Historical

      • Migration of people (forced or voluntary) has led to redistribution of populations such as the Windrush generation or the Atlantic slave trade

Worked Example

Outline two physical factors that can lead to human settlement

(4 marks)

Answer:

 Two favourable factors are river valleys (1) and flat, fertile grassland plains (1) with good water and silt supplies (1). Areas should not be too steep or at high altitudes and have a climate that is not too extreme (1).

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