Population Density & Distribution (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography)

Exam Questions

2 hours22 questions
1
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6 marks

Study Fig. 1.1, which is a map showing population density in mainland USA

q1a

(i)

Florida has a population density of 980 people per square kilometre. Complete the shading in Fig. 1.1 for the state of Florida.

[1]

(ii)

Put the following states in rank order according to their population density. California    Colorado    Montana    Texas

q1aii-nov-2020-cie-igcse-geography

[2]

(iii)

Describe the distribution of states with a population density of over 1250 people per square kilometre.

[3]

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2
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3 marks

Look again at Fig. 1.1 along with Figs. 1.2 and 1.3, which show information about relief and climate in the USA.

q1a

Fig. 1.1

q1b-1-nov-2020-cie-igcse-geography
q1b-2-nov-2020-cie-igcse-geography

Using Figs. 1.1 and 1.2 only, state how relief influences population density in the USA.

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36 marks

Study Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2 (below), which show information about population density and economic activity in Honduras (an LEDC in Central America).

fig-1-1-paper-1-march-2021-cie-igcse-geography

Fig. 1.1

fig-1-2-rb-paper-1-march-2021-cie-igcse-geography

Fig. 1.2

(i)

On Fig. 1.1, complete the shading for the Olancho region.

The Olancho region has a population density of 24 people per km2

[1]

(ii)

Put the following regions in rank order of their population density.

Atlántida

Colón

Cortés

Francisco Morazán

1st .................................

2nd .................................

3rd ..................................

4th ..................................

highest density

 ↕

lowest density

[2]

(iii)

Using evidence from Fig. 1.2 only, suggest three different reasons why some regions of Honduras are densely populated.

1 ........................................................................................................

2 .......................................................................................................

3 .......................................................................................................

[3]

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46 marks

Study Fig, 1, which shows population density in Mali 

screenshot-2023-04-14-at-11-31-12

(i)

Which part of Mali has the lowest population density

[1]

(ii)

Describe two features of the areas where population density is over 10 people per square kilometre

[2]

(iii)

Suggest reasons why the population of Mali is unevenly distributed

[3]

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56 marks

Study Fig. 1.1, which shows information about four countries.

country

area (km2)

population

population density (per km2)

Australia

7682300

24450561

3

China

9388211

1409517397

150

Saudi Arabia

2149690

32939213

 

USA

9147420

324459463

35

Fig. 1.1

(i)

Which one of the following countries is most sparsely populated? Circle your answer below.

Australia              China              USA

[1]

(ii)

In the box below, calculate the population density of Saudi Arabia. You should include your calculations and give an answer to the nearest whole number.

[2]

................................. per km2

(iii)

Many parts of Saudi Arabia are hot deserts, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Rocky desert landscape with large, rugged rock formations and a cloudy, hazy sky in the background. Sparse vegetation and a few small fences are visible.

Fig. 1.2

Explain why areas like those shown in Fig. 1.2 have a low population density.

[3]

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14 marks

Suggest how physical factors affect population density 

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24 marks

Study Fig. 1.1, which is a map showing population density in mainland USA

q1a

Explain how economic factors can influence population density.

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35 marks

Look again at Fig. 1.1 along with Figs. 1.2 and 1.3, which show information about relief and climate in the USA.

q1a

Fig.1.1

q1b-1-nov-2020-cie-igcse-geography
q1b-2-nov-2020-cie-igcse-geography

Using Figs. 1.1 and 1.3 only, suggest reasons for the difference in population density between New Mexico and Massachusetts. Use statistics in your answer.

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44 marks

Study Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2, which show information about population density and economic activity in Honduras (an LEDC in Central America).

fig-1-1-paper-1-march-2021-cie-igcse-geography

Fig. 1.1

fig-1-2-rb-paper-1-march-2021-cie-igcse-geography

Fig. 1.2

Explain how physical factors can influence population density.

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54 marks
Aerial view of a coastal city with red-roofed buildings, a busy street, and a long beach with clear blue water. Hills and mountains are visible in the background.

Fig. 1.3

Suggest reasons why many coastal lowland areas, such as the area shown in Fig. 1.3, have a high population density.

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1
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7 marks

For a country or area you have studied, explain why it is densely populated.

Name of country or area ............................................

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2
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7 marks

For a named country you have studied, explain why it has a low population density

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37 marks

For a country or area you have studied which is sparsely populated, explain why there is a low population density.

Name of country or area

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4
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7 marks

For a named country or area you have studied, explain why it is sparsely populated.

Name of country or area ..............................

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