Unit 6Population Distribution & Growth

6.1. - Population Distribution

Population Density

• Refers to the number of people in a certain area of land

Formula to calculate:

Population ÷ Land area = # of people / km2

NL for example:

(Population) ÷ (Land Area) = # ppl/km2

551,792 ÷ 405,720 km2 = 1.36

• That is there is: 1.36 people/km2

Population Density

• What is the population density of:

Bangladesh– Population 127,117,967– Land Area 133,910 km2

POPULATION DENSITY = 949 people/ km2

Brazil– Population 171,853,126

– Land Area 8,456,510 km2

POPULATION DENSITY = 20 people/ km2

How populated?

• Densely populated = More than 100 people/ km2

• Sparsely populated = Less than 100 people/ km2

Brazil?• 20 people/ km2

• Sparsely populated

Bangladesh?• 949 people/ km2

• Densely populated

NL?• 1.36 people/ km2

• Sparsely populated

Population Density NOT a good indicator… why not?

• Assumes people are equally/evenly spread out.• Assumes all land is usable• Assumes ALL land is USED

For example:• A country can have a low population density BUT…• Cities within that country can have a very high

population density (densely populated).

• Country of Spain = 78.43 people/ km2

• As a country - Sparsely populated (<100 ppl/km2)• City of Barcelona, Spain = 3404 people/ km2

Population Distribution

• Describes how people are spread out.

• Where people live!

• When combined with population density gives a more accurate picture of the population.

• Where are the heavier concentrations of people versus the sparsely populated areas?

Identify global patterns of population distribution

• Use MAP ( figure 18.5) on page 304• Make reference to density AND locations

North America

• Sparsely populated in north• Densely populated along North eastern U.S.

and south western U.S.• WHY?• Transportation? Climate? Soils/Land?

Resources??

South America

– Sparsely populated in Center– Densely populated along Western

Coast– But most dense south eastern

Brazil. – WHY?

Europe

– Sparsely populated in Extreme North– Densely populated throughout. – WHY?

Asia

– Sparsely populated in North & center– Densely populated in South East– WHY?

Africa

– Sparsely populated in Sahara– Densely in North & Sub Sahara– WHY?

Factors affecting – Population Density and Distribution

Where people live…in greater concentrations!!

I. Climate:

II. Economics:

III. Transportation:

The CLIMATE Factor – Population Density and Distribution

Climate: – Warmer comfortable climates attract people. – Notice that most people live in a moderate climate region.

The ECONOMIC Factor –Population Density and Distribution

Economics:

– Used to be around resources and good land!!

– BUT No longer ! Why not? (Hint: what sector is now most important in Canada?)

– Industrialization & manufacturing has caused Urbanization

– and now the information age causing the development of suburbs (away from urban!).

The TRANSPORTATION Factor –Population Density and Distribution

Transportation:

– Coastal regions attracted business and people because of ocean transportation.

– It was true for initial settlement and is still true today!

– TODAY! Most major cities are located on the coast.

Public Exam Examples

Assigned Work to Complete

• READ pages 300-305

• Complete question 2(a) page 301

• Which of the provinces in Canada are densely populated? WHY do you think this is so?