Download Unit 6: Population Distribution & Growth

Unit 6: Population Distribution &
Growth
World Geo 3200/3202
May 2011
Unit Overview
• This unit draws students’ attention to the
importance of population studies.
• The distribution of people over the earth’s
surface reflects the characteristics (e.g., climate,
physical features, ecosystems) of different
regions.
• As well, population growth and structures are
related to the level of economic development of a
country or region.
6.1: Population Distribution:
Population Density & Global
Patterns
Outcomes
• 6.1.1 define the terms population density,
densely populated, and sparsely populated; (k)
• 6.1.2 explain why population density is not
always an accurate indicator of population
distribution; (k)
• 6.1.3 examine patterns in the distribution of
population on the earth’s surface; (a)
• 6.1.4 analyze the impact of selected factors on
the population distribution of a given region. (a)
Important Terminology
• Population density is a measure of how compact or
concentrated a population is. It takes are of land into
account as well as population.
• Population Density = population per unit area (unit
area is usually measured in Km² or miles²)
Important Terminology
• Sparsely populated = small number of people
per unit area ( less than 100 people / Km²)
• Densely Populated = high number of people
per unit area (higher than 100 people / Km² )
Important Terminology
• It is important to note that these two classifications
and the numeric cut off of 100 people / Km² are
somewhat arbitrary. Some books use a middle
category moderately populated @ 10-100 people /
Km²
• For example Canada as a whole has a much larger
population than St. John's alone. However Canada
is spread out over a much larger area than is St.
John's. Therefore, St. John's would have a higher
population density than Canada.
Global Patterns
• North America:
▫ Sparsely
populated in
north,
▫ Densely
populated along
North eastern
U.S. and south
western U.S.
Global Patterns
• South America:
▫ Sparsely
populated in
Center,
▫ Densely populated
along Western
Coast But most
dense south
Eastern Brazil
Global Patterns
• Europe:
▫ Sparsely populated in
Extreme North,
▫ Densely populated
throughout
remainder
Global Patterns
• Asia:
▫ Sparsely populated in North & center,
▫ Densely populated in South East
Global Patterns
• Africa:
▫ Sparsely populated
in Sahara,
▫ Densely in North &
Sub Sahara
Factors Affecting Density & Distribution
• Climate:
▫ Warmer comfortable climates attract people.
Notice that most people live in a moderate climate
region.
Factors Affecting Density & Distribution
• Economics:
▫ Population distribution has changed over time. No
longer are dense populations around primary
resources.
▫ Urbanization and the move to the industrial and
now the information ages have changed
population distribution.
Factors Affecting Density & Distribution
• Transportation:
▫ Coastal regions attracted business and people
because of ocean transportation. It was true for
initial settlement and is still true today.
▫ Most major cities are located on the coast.