Global Population Distribution (DP IB Geography)

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

• 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