Question

Examine the role of climate, water availability, and soil fertility on the distribution of world population.

Hint:

When studying population distribution, focus on the interaction between environmental factors such as climate, water, and soil that shape the settlement patterns.

Answer 1

The distribution of the world’s population is greatly influenced by environmental factors such as climate, water availability, and soil fertility:
- Climate: Mild climates are conducive to human settlement as extreme climates (either too hot or too cold) limit the growth of human populations. Tropical regions with warm climates tend to support dense populations due to favorable conditions for agriculture.
- Water Availability: Proximity to water sources like rivers, lakes, and oceans is crucial for the survival of large populations. Water is needed for drinking, irrigation, and industrial activities. Areas around major rivers like the Nile, Ganges, and Amazon support large populations.
- Soil Fertility: Fertile soil is essential for agriculture, which sustains large human populations. Regions with rich soil, such as river deltas and plains (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic plain), are densely populated due to their ability to support high agricultural productivity.
Thus, areas with favorable climate, abundant water, and fertile soil tend to attract higher populations, while harsh or arid regions experience lower population densities.