Population distribution refers to the spatial arrangement of people across the Earth’s surface. Remarkably, approximately 90% of the global population resides in just 10% of the available land area. More specifically, a significant majority, constituting around 60% of the current world population, is concentrated in approximately the top 10 most populous countries globally. This concentration reflects the uneven distribution of human populations, with certain regions hosting a considerable share of the world’s inhabitants.
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION PATTERN
Population distribution patterns worldwide are shaped by the demographic characteristics of different regions. Analysing population distribution and density provides insights into the demographic landscape of an area. Population distribution specifically refers to how people are spread across the Earth’s surface, and it’s noteworthy that approximately 90% of the world’s population resides in only about 10% of its land area.
The ten most populous countries globally account for roughly 60% of the total global population, with six of these countries located in Asia. Understanding population growth or change is crucial, denoting the shift in the number of inhabitants over a specific timeframe. This change, whether positive or negative, can be expressed in absolute numbers or as a percentage. The population change in a region serves as a significant indicator of economic development, social progress, and is often influenced by the historical and cultural background of the area.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
Population distribution is intricately influenced by a myriad of factors, with both geographical and economic factors playing substantial roles. Here, we highlight a few key factors from each category that indirectly shape population distribution and density.
Geographic Factors:
Climate:
Regions with extreme climates, whether excessively hot or cold, such as deserts, tend to have lower populations due to inhospitable living conditions. Conversely, areas with comfortable climates and little seasonal variation attract more inhabitants, as seen historically in the Mediterranean regions.
Soil:
Fertile soil is crucial for agricultural activities, and regions with fertile loamy soil support intensive farming, leading to higher populations in such areas. The quality of soil directly influences the success of agricultural and allied practices.
Economic Factors:
Minerals:
Areas rich in mineral deposits often host industries, providing extensive employment opportunities. The presence of skilled and semi-skilled workers seeking employment contributes to higher population density. The Katanga Zambia copper belt in Africa serves as a notable example of population concentration around abundant mineral resources.
Urbanisation:
Migration from rural to urban areas, driven by improved employment prospects, educational opportunities, and overall quality of life, results in urbanisation. The appeal of city life and better amenities contributes to an increase in population size in urban regions.
Industrialization:
Industrial belts offer substantial job opportunities, attracting a diverse workforce. This not only includes industrial workers but also professionals in various fields like transportation, retail, healthcare, and more. The Kobe-Osaka region in Japan stands as a classic example of population density influenced by industrial development.
Social and Cultural Factors:
- Religious or Cultural Significance:
- Places with religious or cultural importance tend to attract large populations due to pilgrimage, tourism, and cultural activities. Such areas often experience increased population density.
- Social and Political Unrest:
- Regions facing social or political unrest may experience lower population density as people are discouraged from settling in areas with instability and insecurity.
- Government Initiatives:
- In recent times, government schemes offering grants to encourage people to move away from overcrowded areas to sparsely populated regions have emerged. This reflects an attempt to manage and balance population distribution for sustainable development.
POPULATION GROWTH
The concept of population growth or population change refers to the variation in the number of individuals residing or migrating into a specific country or region over a defined period. This fluctuation can be characterised as either positive, indicating an increase, or negative, signifying a decrease in population.
Population density, expressing the number of individuals per unit of area, can be quantified in numerical figures or presented as a percentage. This measure provides insights into the concentration of inhabitants within a given space.
The assessment of population change in a particular area serves as a valuable metric for evaluating various aspects such as economic development, social progress, regional advancements, and shifts in background characteristics. Understanding the dynamics of population change enables policymakers and researchers to gauge the impact of demographic shifts on the overall development and well-being of a specific locality.
MIGRATION
- Place of Origin:
- The location from which an individual has migrated, indicating the starting point of their journey away from their original residence.
- Place of Destination:
- The location to which an individual has arrived after migration, representing the new destination or endpoint of their journey.
- Migration:
- The movement of people from one place to another, resulting in a decrease in population at the place of origin and an increase in population at the destination.
- Population and Resource Balance:
- Migration is often seen as an attempt to achieve equilibrium in population and resource distribution between different locations.
Types of Migrants:
- Permanent Migrants:
- Individuals who relocate to a new place with the intention of making it their long-term or permanent residence.
- Seasonal Migrants:
- Individuals who move temporarily to another location for specific seasons, often for employment or environmental reasons.
- Transitory Migrants:
- Individuals whose movement is temporary, with no intention of settling permanently at either the place of origin or destination.
Types of Migration Patterns:
- Rural to Rural Migration:
Movement from one rural area to another.
- Rural to Urban Migration:
Movement from a rural area to an urban area.
- Urban to Urban Migration:
Movement from one urban area to another.
- Urban to Rural Migration:
Movement from an urban area to a rural area.
Immigrants:
Individuals who are migrant workers moving from their place of origin to another location, often for employment or economic opportunities.
Emigrants:
Individuals who have left their home country to reside in another country or region, indicating permanent or long-term relocation.
FACTORS FOR MIGRATION
Push Factors:
Push factors are circumstances or conditions that contribute to individuals moving away from a particular place of origin. These factors make the current location less appealing and may include:
- Unemployment:
- Lack of job opportunities or the presence of high unemployment rates can push individuals to seek better prospects elsewhere.
- Poor Living Conditions:
- Inadequate housing, insufficient amenities, and overall poor quality of life can motivate people to migrate in search of improved living conditions.
- Unpleasant Climate:
- Harsh or unfavourable weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures or natural disasters, can be a push factor for migration.
- Lack of Economic Opportunities:
- Limited economic prospects, insufficient income, and a lack of economic development may encourage individuals to move to places with better opportunities.
- Political Instability:
- Political unrest, conflict, or a lack of political stability can be a significant push factor, prompting individuals to seek refuge in more stable regions.
Pull Factors:
Pull factors are aspects or conditions that attract individuals to a particular destination, making it more appealing than their place of origin. These factors include:
- Job Opportunities:
- Availability of employment and better job prospects in the destination location can attract individuals seeking economic stability.
- Improved Living Conditions:
- Access to better housing, healthcare, education, and overall improved living standards can be a strong pull factor.
- Security of Life and Property:
- The perception or reality of enhanced safety, lower crime rates, and better security in the destination area can attract migrants.
- Peace and Stability:
- Political stability, peace, and a conducive environment for personal and professional growth can be significant pull factors.
- Pleasant Climate:
- A more favourable or enjoyable climate compared to the place of origin can serve as a pull factor, especially for those seeking a more comfortable living environment.
Understanding the interplay of push and pull factors is essential for comprehending the dynamics of migration and the motivations behind individuals’ decisions to relocate.
Population Distribution FAQs:
1. What is Population Distribution?
Answer: Population distribution refers to the spatial arrangement of people across the Earth’s surface.
2. How concentrated is the global population?
Answer: Approximately 90% of the world’s population resides in just 10% of the available land area.
3. Which countries contribute significantly to global population concentration?
Answer: About 60% of the current world population is concentrated in approximately the top 10 most populous countries globally.
4. What are Population Distribution Patterns?
Answer: Patterns are shaped by demographic characteristics and can be analysed through population distribution and density, providing insights into the demographic landscape.
5. What indicators are used to measure Population Change?
Answer: Population change, whether positive or negative, is expressed in absolute numbers or as a percentage, serving as a crucial indicator of economic development and social progress.
6. How does Geography influence Population Distribution?
Answer: Geographic factors such as climate, soil quality, and natural resources significantly impact population distribution.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
