World Geography 3202

Unit 6: Population Geography Start

Unit 6 OverviewUnit 6 draws students’ attention to the importance of population studies. The distribution of people over the earth’s surface reflects the characteristics (e.g., climate, physical features, ecosystems) of different regions. As well, population growth and structures are related to the level of economic development of a country or region.

6.1.4 Analyze the impact of selected factors on the population distribution of a given region.

6.1.1 Define the terms population density, densely populated, and sparsely populated. (k)

6.1.2 Explain why population density is not always an accurate indicator of population distribution. (k)

6.1.3 Examine patterns in the distribution of population on the earth’s surface. (a)

6.1.1 Define the terms population density, densely populated, and sparsely populated. (k)

Population density: Refers to the number of people living in defined area of land

Densely populated: used to describe population density over 100 people/km2

Sparsely populated: Used to describe population densities under 100 people/km2

Using NL for example:551,792 (Population) ÷ 405,720 km2 (Land Area) = 1.36

There is 1.36 people/km2

Density looks at how crowded a place is

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BangladeshPopulation 127,117,967Land Area 133,910 km2

POPULATION DENSITY = 949 people/ km2

BrazilPopulation 171,853,126 Land Area 8,456,510 km2

POPULATION DENSITY = 20 people/ km2

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Densely Populated

Dhaka, Bangladesh

SparselyPopulated

Creede,Colorado

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6.1.2 Explain why population density is not always an accurate indicator of population

distribution. (k)Population density is not always an accurate indicator of population distribution because it assumes that the population density is uniform over the entire area of a country

Take Canada for example

The population of Canada is concentrated within 200km of the American boarder

Over 85% of the population live here.

While in the north there is an extremely low population density

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The GTA has a population of 5,583,064That’s 16% of the total population of Canada

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6.1.3 Examine patterns in the distribution of population on the earth’s surface. (a)

Population Distribution: Describes how a population is spread out over an area

When combined with population density this will give a much more accurate picture of how a population is arranged

We talk about distribution in terms of how concentrated or dispersed the population is

Population DistributionConcentrated•Asia•India•China•Japan

•Eastern North America•Europe•Eastern South America

Dispersed•The extreme North and South•Central Africa•Central Australia

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6.1.4 Analyze the impact of selected factors on the population distribution of a given region. (a

Where people live is determined

by the perceived advantages and

disadvantages of the location

Climate

Ecosystems

Landforms

We will look at these factors:

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Population Density and Climate

• People living in the temperate climates are able to avoid the harsh extremes of tropical and polar climate zones

• People choose to live in areas that are perceived to have a good climate.

• The temperate climates (Mediterranean, subtopic, marine west coast) offer a warm summer and mild winters.

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Population Density and Ecosystems

• Some of the worlds largest populations can be found in the temperate forest ecosystem because of it’s attractive qualities (fertile soils, animals, natural fruits)

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• People have naturally located themselves where the natural environment is best suited for life

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These maps show the relationship between population density and temperate forests What

does this mean for

the ecosyste

m?

• In general people have tended to avoid hazardous landforms(Mountains, Glaciers, volcanos)

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Population Density and Landforms

• People settle where landforms are perceived to help in survival

• People settle around bodies of water, rivers, and oceans this provides a food source, source of water, and a means of transportation.

80% of world population live near the coast

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