Question

Discuss the factors influencing the distribution and growth of population in the world.

Hint:

Structure the answer as Physical + Socio-economic for \(\underline{distribution}, then Demographic transition + migration + policy\) for \underline{growth}. Close with 2–3 current examples (Africa's youth bulge, ageing Japan/EU, coastal megacoridors).

Answer 1

Meaning
Population distribution refers to how people are spread over the Earth's surface; growth refers to change in population size over time due to births, deaths and migration. Both are controlled by a blend of environmental and socio-economic factors.
I. Physical (environmental) controls of \underline{distribution}
Climate: Moderate temperatures and reliable rainfall favour dense population (W.\ Europe, E.\ China, S.\ Asia); arid/cold zones remain sparse (Sahara, Arctic, Australian interior). Thermal comfort, growing season and disease ecology matter.
Relief/topography: Lowlands, plains and river valleys (Ganga–Brahmaputra, Nile, Rhine–Ruhr) enable intensive farming, transport and urban growth; steep mountains (Himalaya, Andes) hinder permanent dense settlement except in basins/plateaus.
Soils: Fertile alluvium, loess and volcanic soils support high rural densities; lateritic/podzolic soils constrain unless improved.
Water: Perennial rivers, aquifers and humid coasts attract people; deserts show oasis/irrigation clusters.
Resources and hazards: Minerals/energy (coal, iron, oil) create industrial belts; hazards (floods, quakes, cyclones) shape densities depending on risk management and benefits.
II. Socio-economic and historical drivers of \underline{distribution}
Agrarian systems/technology: Wet-rice culture in monsoon Asia sustains very high densities; mechanised temperate farming needs fewer workers.
Industrialisation and urbanisation: Jobs and services produce megalopolises and coastal corridors (Tokyo–Osaka, Pearl River Delta, BosWash, Blue Banana).
Transport/market access: Ports, estuaries, passes and multimodal hubs concentrate population; remote interiors remain thinly peopled.
Politics/history: Colonisation, land grants, frontiers and security situations have redirected settlement patterns.
Public services and amenities: Education, health, water/sanitation and digital connectivity help retain/attract residents.
Culture/religion: Pilgrimage centres and cultural capitals draw permanent and seasonal populations.
III. Determinants of \underline{growth}
Demographic transition: Most countries move from high birth–high death (Stage I) to low birth–low death (Stage IV/V); mortality falls first (clean water, vaccines), then fertility declines (female education, urbanisation, contraception).
Fertility drivers: Child survival, female schooling/work, age at marriage, norms about family size, pension systems and cost of living.
Mortality drivers: Nutrition, medical care, epidemics/pandemics, conflicts, disasters, ageing.
Migration: Adds to growth in destinations (Gulf, North America, Europe) and reduces it in sources; remittances affect later fertility choices.
Policy levers: Family welfare programmes, maternal–child health, legal age at marriage, gender equity and social security reshape trajectories.
IV. Present-day patterns to cite in answers
Coastal/river corridors and city-regions dominate; Africa has youthful, fast-growing populations (Stage II/III), while Europe/East Asia face ageing and near-zero/negative growth; large South–South and South–North labour flows persist.