Physical factors influencing population distribution - climate
Few people live where the climates are extreme e.g. very hot/cold or very wet/dry because it makes living conditions unpleasant and expensive. E.g. Northern Russia
People prefer to live where there is a balance in weather E.g. NW Europe.
Physical factors influencing population distribution - soil
Some river valleys are very crowded e.g. Nile Valley. The soil is fertile and lots can grow. Valleys are flat and a river is a reliable source of water.
Areas with poor soils are low populated e.g. The Sahara Desert.
Physical factors influencing population distribution -relief
People prefer to live in flat, lowland areas. Most mountain ranges in the world are areas of low population density e.g. Himalayas because slopes are steep which make it difficult to build on.
Physical factors influencing population distribution - resources
Where the environment provides useful resources, the population density is higher.
Resources such as coal, oil and gas provide job opportunities e.g. NE USA.
Human factors influencing population distribution - communication/ transport links
Areas where there are many roads, railways, airports and ports are more crowded.
Human factors influencing population distribution - technological development
Countries with advanced technologies and well educated people can support higher population densities e.g. Japan.
Human factors influencing population distribution - economic activities
Regions where the main activity is industry or services have high population densities.
Factors affecting birth rate - developing countries
Developing countries have a higher birth rate because:
- children can take care of their parents in their old age.
- children can help families on farms or by earning money.
- infant mortality rates are higher in developing countries so they have more babies to ensure survival (and kids to work)
- there is a lack of contraception and family planning and a lack of education around the topic (sex).
- in some cultures large families have a higher status.
Factors affecting birth rate - developed countries
Developed countries have a lower birth rate because:
- more women are choosing their careers rather than having kids.
- people are getting married later in life at an older age.
- contraception and family planning are widely available and sex education is a topic that is taught in schools.
- children are very expensive to raise.
