The World Population
Patterns of Population Distribution
Population distribution means arrangement distribution of people over the earth’s
surface. Population is not evenly distributed as 90 percent of the world’s
population lives in about 10 percent of its land area.
The 10 most populous countries of the world contribute about 60 per cent of the
world’s population. Out of these 10 countries, 6 are located in Asia.
Density of Population
This means the ratio between the numbers of people to the size of the land. It is
usually measured in persons per sq. km density of population/area. Some areas
are densely populated like North-Eastern USA, North-Western Europe, South,
South-West and East Asia.
Some areas are sparsely populated like near the polar areas and high rainfall
zones near the equator while some areas have medium density like Western
China, Southern India, Norway, Sweden, etc.
Factors Influencing Population Distribution
The population distribution is influenced by three factors i.e., geographical factors,
economic factors and social and cultural factors.
Geographical Factors
Environmental or natural factors such as landforms, fertile soil, suitable climate for
cultivation and availability of adequate source of fresh water are the geographical
factors that affect the population distribution. Some geographical factors are:
Land Forms Flat Plains and gentle slopes are preferred by people, because these are
favorable for the production of crops and to build roads and industries.
Climate Area with less seasonal variation attract more people.
Soil Area which have fertile loamy soil have more people living on them as these can
support intensive agriculture.
Water People prefer to live in areas where fresh water is easily available. Because, it is
the most important factor for life.
Economic Factors
Patterns of Population Distribution
Population distribution means arrangement distribution of people over the earth’s
surface. Population is not evenly distributed as 90 percent of the world’s
population lives in about 10 percent of its land area.
The 10 most populous countries of the world contribute about 60 per cent of the
world’s population. Out of these 10 countries, 6 are located in Asia.
Density of Population
This means the ratio between the numbers of people to the size of the land. It is
usually measured in persons per sq. km density of population/area. Some areas
are densely populated like North-Eastern USA, North-Western Europe, South,
South-West and East Asia.
Some areas are sparsely populated like near the polar areas and high rainfall
zones near the equator while some areas have medium density like Western
China, Southern India, Norway, Sweden, etc.
Factors Influencing Population Distribution
The population distribution is influenced by three factors i.e., geographical factors,
economic factors and social and cultural factors.
Geographical Factors
Environmental or natural factors such as landforms, fertile soil, suitable climate for
cultivation and availability of adequate source of fresh water are the geographical
factors that affect the population distribution. Some geographical factors are:
Land Forms Flat Plains and gentle slopes are preferred by people, because these are
favorable for the production of crops and to build roads and industries.
Climate Area with less seasonal variation attract more people.
Soil Area which have fertile loamy soil have more people living on them as these can
support intensive agriculture.
Water People prefer to live in areas where fresh water is easily available. Because, it is
the most important factor for life.
Economic Factors
