Population Distribution

Population Distribution

Population Distribution-this is an indication of where people live in a particular country or area.

PD- the location of people within a wide area, which may include smaller areas of high or low population density.

Dense areas vs Sparse Areas

Dense population:

• around large cities, where there are many job opportunities.
• on flat land, where it is easy to build roads and houses.
• close to major roads, with good transport services.
• on fertile land, where farms are productive. 
• close to mineral resources, such as bauxite or oil.

Sparse Population

There is usually a sparse population:

• in mountains and on steeply sloping land, where it is difficult to build
• in swamp and wetlands
• in areas with poor soil, where farming is difficult
• in isolated areas with poor transportation.

Population distribution is affected by several factors:

• Relief: Most settlements are built on flat or gently sloping land. Few people live in mountainous areas.

Falmouth was built on flat land. This facilitates a dense population.

• Climate: Few people live in deserts, or in very cold areas such as the Canadian Arctic.

Few people live in the cooler regions of the world like Canada, Alaska and the Himalayas. An example of this factor is the Blue Mountains (above).

• Working opportunities-many people live where jobs are available: for example, close to large cities, mining areas, or tourist areas.

Persons normally visit cities or major towns across Jamaica for job opportunities.

• Living conditions- where people are able to choose, they prefer areas where living conditions are pleasant, with good health and education facilities, a spacious living environment and a low crime rate. 

People prefer to live in enclosed communities (schemes) which have limited or no contact to crimes.

In many Caribbean islands:

• Most people live close to the capital, which was usually built next to a natural harbour, on the sheltered leeward coast, away from the direct force of the trade winds. Today, most job opportunities are located in or close to the capital city.

• There are many rural settlements in productive agricultural areas, usually close to the coast or in river valleys.

• Few people live in mountainous and thickly forested areas in the interior.

Summary:

Activity

(a) Outline ONE factor which may have prevented persons from settling in the sparse area. ( 2 marks)

(c) Give TWO examples to show how the high density of the population in Area A may affect the quality of services provided in the area. ( 4 marks)

(d) (i) Suggest THREE measures which the government of a country could take to encourage people to migrate to sparse areas.

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