Both Physical and Human Factors Influence Where People Live
- Why do some places teem with life while others remain sparsely populated?
- The answer lies in a combination of physical and human factors that shape global population distribution.
- These factors help explain why population densities vary across the world, forming observable patterns that can be analyzed geographically.
Definition
Global population distribution
Global population distribution refers to the pattern of where people live.
Note
- The world population has reached 8 billion and is expected to stabilize by the end of 21st Century at between 10 to 12 billion. By 2100-2150 it could be down to 9 billion.
- Some areas can be described as overpopulated, whereas others as underpopulated.
- Over 50% of the world's population can be found in Asia, with dense populations in urban areas and coasts; sparse in deserts, polar regions, and mountains.
- The major challenge is the pattern - uneven distribution of people and resources.
Most People Live in Favorable Locations
- At the global scale, population patterns are influenced by both environmental advantages and challenges.
- Here's a birds eye view on global population distribution:
- 75% of people live within 1,000 km of the sea, benefiting from access to trade and resources.
- 85% live in areas less than 500 m above the sea level, where flat terrain supports agriculture and settlement.
- 85% live between latitudes 20°N and 68°N, where temperate climates dominate.
- Less than 10% live in the southern hemisphere, which has fewer landmasses and, consequently, less areas with temperate climate.
Note
Remember that water availability and soil fertility are often the deciding factors in where populations thrive.
Population Patterns are Closely Linked to Levels of Economic Development
- The World Bank classifies countries based on Gross National Income (GNI):
- High-Income Countries (HICs): Annual GNI per capita above $13,205 (e.g., the USA, Germany) encompassing ~15% of people.
- Middle-Income Countries (MICs): Economies transitioning toward urbanization and industrialization. This group includes ~75% of global population and is the most diverse, being divided further into Upper MICs (e.g. Brazil, China) and Lower MICs (e.g. Egypt, India).
- Low-Income Countries (LICs): Economies reliant on agriculture and limited infrastructure with annual GNI per capita below $1,085 (e.g. Niger, Zambia) encompassing ~10% of global population.
Common Mistake
Avoid assuming that all LICs are sparsely populated - some, like Bangladesh, are densely settled despite low incomes.
Physical Factors Play a Key Role in Determining Where People Settle
1. Climate: The Comfort Zone for Living
Would you prefer to live in a region with mild winters and warm summers or in a place where temperatures reach extreme highs or lows?
- Moderate Climates in temperate zones provide reliable rainfall, fertile soils, and comfortable living conditions, making them ideal for agriculture and urban development.
- Harsh Climates, such as deserts (e.g., the Sahara) or polar regions (e.g., Siberia), deter settlement due to extreme temperatures, water scarcity, and challenging living conditions.
- Extreme Weather Events and Natural Hazards: Areas prone to hurricanes, typhoons, or prolonged droughts often have lower population densities due to risks to life and infrastructure.
- Exception - Monsoonal Climate Zones: While extreme, monsoonal climates (e.g., South Asia) support high population densities due to the abundance of water during rainy seasons, which sustains agriculture despite risks of flooding.
Example
- Regions like Western and Central Europe, with its temperate climate, support high population densities
- In contrast, the Sahara Desert remains sparsely populated due to its arid conditions.
Hint
When analyzing population distribution, consider how climate affects not just comfort but also resources like water and food production.
2. Relief and Terrain: The Shape of the Land
The physical shape of the land, or relief, plays a crucial role in determining settlement patterns.
- Flat, low-lying areas are attractive due to ease of construction, accessibility, and suitability for agriculture.
- Mountainous regions are less hospitable due to steep slopes, thin soils, and isolation, leading to lower population densities.
Example
- The North China Plain supports high population densities.
- Conversely, most of the Andes and the Himalayas are sparsely populated.
Common Mistake
- Many students assume that all flat areas are densely populated.
- However, flat but infertile regions, such as tundras, may still have low population densities.
- Equally, it is usually assumed that all mountainous regions are sparsely populated with no significant urban centers, whereas due to other factors (e.g. natural resources availability or defense opportunities) it is not always the case (e.g. large urban areas in the mountains in Latin America).
Example
- Consider the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plain in South Asia, where fertile soils and flat terrain support agriculture and urban growth.
- In contrast, the Himalayas, with their rugged terrain, are sparsely populated despite their proximity.
3. Fresh Water Availability: Life’s Essential Resource
Water is vital for human survival, agriculture, and industry.
- Settlements are often clustered along rivers (e.g., the Nile, Ganges, and Yangtze) and lakes, where water is used for direct consumption, irrigation, and transportation.
- Natural Hazards Near Water: Despite the advantages, flood-prone river basins or coastal areas exposed to storm surges and tsunamis can deter settlement or require significant adaptation.
Analogy
- Think of water as the lifeblood of a region.
- Just as blood circulates through your body to keep you alive, rivers and lakes sustain populations by providing essential resources.
Note
- Modern technology, such as desalination and irrigation, has reduced dependence on fresh water sources in some areas.
- But water availability remains a critical factor in many parts of the world and its significance is likely to increase.
4. Coastal location: Opportunities for Obtaining Food and Trade
- Access to Coast: Proximity to the coast provides additional opportunities, including fishing, trade, and maritime transport.
Example
Coastal cities such as Shanghai and New York are examples of high-density settlements driven by their access to global trade routes.
5. Availability of Resources: Opportunities for Extraction and Innovation
Natural resources provide a foundation for economic activity and settlement.
- Mineral-rich Regions, such as the Ruhr Valley in Germany or the oil fields in the Middle East, attract high population densities due to resource extraction industries.
- Human Innovation: Access to resources often leads to technological and economic development, enabling denser settlements, as seen in areas with abundant fossil fuels or metals.
Human Factors: Shaping the Landscape of Settlement
While physical factors lay the groundwork, human factors often determine how populations are distributed within a region.
1. Economic Development: The Pull of Opportunity
Areas with thriving economies attract higher population densities.
- Urban Centers: Cities like Tokyo and New York are hubs of trade, commerce, and industry, providing job opportunities and better living standards.
- Industrial Development: The rise of manufacturing zones and service industries encourages rural-to-urban migration, as seen in countries like China and India.
Example
The northeastern United States, including cities like New York and Boston, has a high population density due to its history of industrialization and economic development.
2. Infrastructure: Connecting People and Places
Infrastructure enables high-density living by supporting essential services and connectivity.
- Transportation Networks: Roads, railways, and airports make regions accessible and facilitate economic activity.
- Utilities: Access to electricity, clean water, and healthcare allows for sustainable living in densely populated areas.
Hint
When evaluating population distribution, look for the presence of roads, railways, and ports, as these often indicate areas of high population density.
Example
Singapore has a high population density due to its excellent infrastructure and connectivity as a global trade hub.
3. Historical Factors: The Legacy of the Past
Historical events shape where populations are concentrated today.
- Colonial Settlements: Ports and trade hubs established during colonial periods remain densely populated due to their strategic locations.
- Migration Patterns: Historical migrations, such as the Great Migration in the United States, have influenced population clusters.
Example
- In South Africa, historical factors such as the apartheid policies led to forced migrations and uneven population distribution.
- This gave rise to dense urban centers and sparsely populated rural areas.
The Interplay of Physical and Human Factors
- While physical and human factors can be analyzed separately, they often interact to shape settlement patterns.
Example
- A region with favorable physical conditions may remain sparsely populated if it lacks economic opportunities or infrastructure, e.g. Amazon Basin or some regions in Southern Russia.
- Conversely, human innovation, such as irrigation systems or air conditioning, can make inhospitable environments more livable, e.g. Southwest US or Arabian Peninsula.
Example
- Dubai, located in the arid desert of the UAE, has developed into a global city due to human factors.
- These include economic investment and advanced infrastructure, despite its challenging physical environment.
Self review
- What physical and human factors have influenced the pattern of human settlements and their development?
- How might these factors change in the future?
- Consider the ethical dimensions of population distribution.
- How should governments balance the need for economic development with the preservation of natural environments and resources?
