Question

Explain the physical factors affecting the distribution of the population. Give suitable examples.

Hint:

Physical factors shape population density by determining resource availability and livability; plains and rivers attract the most people.

Answer 1

Population distribution is uneven due to physical factors influencing habitability and resource availability.
These factors determine where people can live, work, and sustain themselves.
1. Climate and Weather: Moderate climates with adequate rainfall and mild temperatures support agriculture and livability, attracting dense populations.
Extreme climates (hot, cold, arid) deter settlement.
- Example: The Mediterranean region (e.g., Italy) has a mild climate, supporting dense populations (~200 people/km²).
The Sahara Desert’s extreme heat results in sparse populations (<1 person/km²).
2. Relief and Topography: Flat plains and valleys facilitate agriculture and infrastructure, leading to high population density.
Mountainous areas are less populated due to inaccessibility and limited arable land.
- Example: The Indo-Gangetic Plains (India) support over 1,000 people/km² due to flat, fertile land.
The Himalayas have sparse populations (~10 people/km²) due to rugged terrain.
3. Soil Type and Quality: Fertile soils enable productive agriculture, sustaining larger populations.
Infertile soils limit farming, reducing density.
- Example: The Nile Valley (Egypt) has alluvial soils, supporting ~1,500 people/km$^2$.
The Amazon rainforest’s laterite soils result in low density.
4. Water Supply: Access to fresh water is critical for drinking, agriculture, and industry, attracting settlements.
Arid regions have low populations.
- Example: The Great Lakes region (e.g., Chicago) supports dense populations (~4,000 people/km$^2$) due to freshwater.
The Atacama Desert (Chile) is sparsely populated due to water scarcity.
5. Vegetation and Biotic Factors: Resource-rich vegetation supports settlement, but dense forests or disease vectors can deter it.
- Example: Western Europe’s temperate forests (Germany) support moderate populations.
The Congo Basin’s dense rainforests and malaria risk result in low density.
6. Natural Resources and Hazards: Resource-rich areas attract populations, but hazards like earthquakes deter settlement.
- Example: Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich Eastern Province has higher density.
Japan’s earthquake-prone Pacific coast sees uneven distribution.
These factors interact, e.g., fertile soil and favorable climate amplify density.
Globally, ~90% of people live on 10% of land in favorable environments.