Notes on Chapter 2: The World Population (Distribution, Density and Growth) CBSE Class 12th Fundamentals of Human Geography

Notes on The World Population (Distribution, Density and Growth) CBSE Class 12^th Fundamentals of Human Geography

Introduction

At the dawn of the 21st century, the global population exceeded 6 billion. However, this vast number is not uniformly spread across the planet. The distribution of population is highly uneven, with certain regions hosting dense clusters of people while others remain sparsely populated or even uninhabited. Geographer George B. Cressey aptly summarized Asia's population distribution by stating:

“Asia has many places where people are few and few places where people are very many.”

Patterns of Population Distribution

Population distribution refers to the way people are spread across the Earth’s surface. Understanding these patterns helps in comprehending the demographic makeup of different regions.

• Approximately 90% of the world’s population lives on just 10% of its land area.
• The 10 most populous countries contribute to nearly 60% of the global population, and 6 of these countries are located in Asia:
• China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan.

Density of Population

Population density is the average number of people living per unit area, typically measured in persons per square kilometer (sq km).

Formula:

Population Density = Total Population / Land Area

Density Categories:

• High Population Density (over 200 persons/sq km):
• North-Eastern USA
• North-Western Europe
• South, South-East, and East Asia
• Low Population Density (less than 1 person/sq km):
• Polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic)
• Hot and cold deserts (e.g., Sahara, Gobi)
• Dense equatorial rainforests (e.g., Amazon Basin)
• Moderate Population Density (11–50 persons/sq km):
• Western China
• Southern India
• Scandinavian countries (e.g., Norway, Sweden)

Factors Influencing Population Distribution

1. Geographical Factors

• Water Availability: Settlements are denser near rivers, lakes, and coasts (e.g., Ganges Valley, Nile Delta).
• Landforms: Plains and valleys encourage agriculture and infrastructure (e.g., Indo-Gangetic Plain); mountainous areas discourage settlement (e.g., Himalayas).
• Climate: Moderate climates (e.g., Mediterranean region) attract populations; extreme climates (e.g., Siberia, Sahara) deter them.
• Soil Fertility: Fertile alluvial soils support intensive farming and attract dense populations (e.g., Northern Plains of India).

2. Economic Factors

• Mineral Resources: Mineral-rich regions attract workers and industries (e.g., Copper belt in Zambia).
• Urbanization: Cities offer jobs, healthcare, education, and transport, drawing people from rural areas (e.g., Tokyo, New York).
• Industrialization: Industrial zones generate diverse employment opportunities (e.g., Osaka-Kobe in Japan).

3. Social and Cultural Factors

• Religious/Cultural Significance: Holy cities (e.g., Varanasi, Mecca) attract dense populations.
• Political Stability: Peaceful areas with good governance attract migrants.
• Government Incentives: Some governments promote resettlement in less populated regions.

Population Growth

Population growth refers to the increase (or decrease) in the number of people over a specific period.

Types of Growth:

• Natural Growth = Births - Deaths
• Actual Growth = (Births - Deaths) + (Immigration - Emigration)

Growth Terms:

• Positive Growth: Births > Deaths or due to immigration.
• Negative Growth: Deaths > Births or due to emigration.

Key Population Metrics

• Crude Birth Rate (CBR):
  Formula: CBR = (Number of Live Births / Mid-Year Population) × 1000
• Crude Death Rate (CDR):
  Formula: CDR = (Number of Deaths / Mid-Year Population) × 1000
• Migration: Movement of people between locations.
• Immigration: Moving into a location.
• Emigration: Moving out of a location.
• Types: Rural–Urban, Urban–Urban, Urban–Rural, and Rural–Rural.
• Push Factors: Poverty, disasters, war.
• Pull Factors: Jobs, safety, services.

Trends in Population Growth

• Global population has increased rapidly since the 18th century, especially after the Industrial Revolution.
• Around 8,000–12,000 years ago, post-agriculture evolution, global population was just around 8 million.
• In the 1st century A.D., it was below 300 million.
• During the 16th–17th century, trade expanded and led to growth.
• By 1750, world population reached 550 million.
• Today, the population is over 8 billion, with most growth in developing countries (e.g., Yemen, Somalia, Liberia).

Doubling Time:

• It took 12 years to grow from 5 to 6 billion.
• Developed countries take longer to double population than developing ones.

Spatial Patterns of Population Change

• Developed Nations: Low population growth due to education, family planning, and healthcare.
• Developing Nations: Higher growth rates due to higher birth rates and improving healthcare.
• Even small annual percentage increases can lead to large population growth when applied to large base populations.

Impact of Population Change

Positive Impacts:

• Larger labor force and economic potential.
• Attraction for global investors due to a large consumer base.
• Greater geopolitical influence (e.g., China, India).

Negative Impacts:

• Overuse of resources and environmental degradation.
• Unemployment and underemployment.
• Low per capita income and increased poverty.
• Dependence on imports, trade imbalance.

Demographic Transition Theory

Explains how population growth shifts in stages as a country develops.

Stages:

1. First Stage (High Stationary): High birth and death rates; slow growth.
2. Second Stage (Early Expanding): Death rate declines due to improved healthcare; birth rate remains high.
3. Third Stage (Late Expanding): Both birth and death rates fall; population growth slows; society becomes urban and educated.

Population Control Measures

• Access to Contraceptives: Easily available family planning tools.
• Education: Especially of women, leads to smaller families.
• Women's Empowerment: Increases autonomy over reproductive choices.
• Public Awareness: Campaigns about large family drawbacks.
• Incentives: Financial, educational, or healthcare incentives for small families.
• Improved Healthcare: Reduces child mortality, encouraging smaller families.
• Delayed Marriages: Helps people attain education and plan families better.