What is population distribution?

Population distribution describes how the individuals of a population spread out across their habitat. Spatial
patterns of population distribution may be clumped, uniform, or random. A clumped distribution shows a high
population density in one area of the habitat. Uniform distribution of populations has individuals relatively equally
spaced across the habitat. Random distribution does not have a pattern to how individuals spread out in their
habitat.

What is an example of population distribution?

There are three main types of population distribution.

A uniform population distribution has individuals which are generally equally spaced apart. An example of this in
nesting penguins which build nests equal distance from other nesting penguins. Clumped population
distributions is observed with herding animals such as American Bison. The animals move in large groups to
forage and protect the young. Random distribution does not have a pattern and the species exhibit little
competition with each other. This type of distribution in observed with wildflowers whose seeds are dispersed by
the wind. The seeds will germinate if they land in a favorable location.

Factors Affecting Population Distribution

The main factors determining population distribution are : climate, landforms, topography, soil, energy
and mineral resources, accessibility like distance from sea coast, natural harbours, navigable rivers or
canals, cultural factors, political boundaries, controls on migration and trade, government policies, types
of economic activities, technology including type of farming and transportation facilities, social
organization and but not the least, demographic factors like changes in natural increase and migration.

1. Climate

Climate affects population distribution in several ways. Climate influences what people can grow for food,
textiles, and cash, the elevation at which people can survive, thus limiting populations to specific elevations, and
what latitude is more conducive to bearable living conditions. If a place's climate has little in the way of favorable
conditions for agriculture, makes it difficult to breathe, and/or is a harsh environment (too hot, too cold, too dry,
too wet), then the population may be smaller. Larger concentrations of a population will be distributed in
climates that are more temperate, produce rich soils for agriculture, and provide enough oxygen balance in the
atmosphere to make life more comfortable. Though there are exceptions to every rule. For instance, Moscow
has over 11 million people is a quite frigid in the winter, whereas Ahvaz, Iran has reached a temperature of
129°, and is regularly over a 110° in the summer, with a population of over a million.

climatic conditions are perhaps the most important. Climate affects population distribution both directly as well
as indirectly through its effects on soil, vegetation and agriculture that have direct bearings on the pattern of
population distribution. Moreover, other physical factors like latitude and altitude also operate on population
distribution through climatic conditions.
Although climatic optima are difficult to define, extremes of temperature, rainfall and humidity certainly limit the
concentration of population in any part of the earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, extreme cold conditions in the
high latitude areas have prevented human habitation. Likewise, extremely high temperature and aridity in the
hot deserts of the world restrict human habitability. Some of the geographers in past have, therefore, gone to
the extent of claiming a deterministic relationship between climate and population distribution.

It should, however, be noted that man has ability to adapt himself to different climatic conditions. This explains a
high density in the tropics, which are otherwise marked with extremes of climatic conditions. Progress in science
and technology has greatly augmented man’s ability to adapt to different climatic conditions. Though limited in
magnitude, the peopling of the Alaska and Siberia during the last century owes to the scientific and
technological advancements

2. Topography

Topography can affect the population distribution of a place, as it determines how easy or difficult it might be to
live there. The distribution of population is affected by the topography of an area as well as other factors. The
types of surfaces can affect how people move through a place and the distances they are willing to travel to
work, school, and recreation. Plains areas tend to have higher populations than mountainous areas because it
is easier to travel around; however, there is often not much land available for construction and production.

For example, people living in mountainous regions have more difficulty travelling from one valley to another due
to the extreme slopes and elevation changes involved, so they often live in tightly packed communities near a
mountain pass.

3. The influences of latitude and altitude on population distri-bution

latitude and altitudes cannot be separated from one another. High altitude in general imposes an ultimate
physiological limit upon human existence due to reduced atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content.
Therefore, very few permanent settlements can be seen in the lofty mountains of the world at a height above
5,000 metres. Staszewski, in his exhaustive analysis of the vertical distribution of population, has shown that
both numbers and densities in different parts of the world decline with increasing altitude.

According to him, a little more than 56 per cent of the world’s population lives within 200 metres from the sea
level, and over 80 per cent within 500 metres. However, in low latitude areas, which are otherwise hot and less
favourable, high altitude provides suitable conditions for human habitation. Mountains in Africa and Latin
America are much healthier than plains, and large cities have sprung up at high altitude. La Paz, the highest city
in the world (3,640 m) and the capital of Bolivia, owes its existence to this factor. As against this, in the high
latitude areas, it becomes extremely difficult to live beyond a few hundred metres from sea level. It is in this
context that a famous population geographer has referred to “mountains that attract and mountains that repel”.

4. Relief

Relief features also play an important role in influencing population distribution. The influence of altitude has
already been noted. Among the other aspects of relief features which affect human habitation are general
topography, slope and aspect. The main concentrations of human population are confined to the areas marked
with flat topography. Rugged and undulating topog-raphy restricts the condensation of human population in any
area.

Abrupt changes in the density of population can be seen on the world map of population distribution where
plains meet mountain ranges. Rising Himalayas, thus, mark the northern limit of dense population in the Ganga
plain. Similarly, the Deccan plateaus with rugged and undulating topography appear distinct from the plains in
respect of population concentration. In the mountainous areas valleys provide suitable locations for human
settlements. Likewise, sun-facing slopes provide favourable locations for the emergence and growth of
settlements.

This is particularly true in the temperate and other high latitude areas where insolation is very important. The
river valleys may promote or restrict human settle-ments depending upon other geographic conditions. In Egypt,
nearly 98 per cent of the population is concentrated forming a ribbon along the Nile River. As against this, in
tropical swamps and dissected plateaus, river valleys tend to repel population.

5. The influences of soil on

population distribution.

The quality of soils exerts undeniable impacts on

the distribution of world population (MitaliVerma, 2015).
Together andosols and fertile alluvial and deltaic soils seem
to support dense populations (Veena, 2009). Thus, most of
the major concentrations of populations in the world are
located in the river valleys and deltas.Great civilizations of
the world have almost invariably flourished on good fertile
alluvial soils(Dhillon, 2004). Similarly, the chernozems of
steppe grasslands and rich volcanic soils can support dense
populationMitaliVerma, 2015).On the other hand, the
leached soils of temperate lands, the pod sols, which are
very poor in terms of fertility, can support only a sparse
population. In Canada, for instance, marked difference can
be noticed in population concentration between areas of
clayey soils and pod sol soils(MitaliVerma, 2015).
It is important to note that the impact of soils cannot be
viewed in isolation, that is, soils effect on the population
distribution in association with other physical
characteristics, mainly climate. Moreover, progress in
technology can alter the effectiveness of soil types on
population concentration to a greater extent (Falkenmark,
&Widstrand, 1992). Application of modern technologies
during the recent times has greatly enhanced the profitability
of cultivation in many areas of the world, which was hitherto
not suitable for cultivation.Such areas have, thus, attracted
population during the recent past. In association with
climatic conditions, varying soil types give rise to variety of
vegetation cover on the earth surface. These, in turn, provide
contrasting environment for a variety of agricultural
activities, and hence, lead to different population density.
Tropical forests, savanna, tundra and taiga provide different
media for human occupation and concentration.

6. Location of mineral and energy resources has led to dense population concentration in many parts of the
world, which otherwise do not provide suitable conditions for human habitation. Large towns have grown up in
inaccessible and extremely inhospitable areas such as deserts, Polar Regions or in the midst of forests where
precious minerals and metals have been found.

Kalgoorlie, a gold mining town in the Australian deserts, is a very good example in this regard. Likewise, several
other examples can be cited from elsewhere in the world including Canada, the USA and Russia. Location of
coal, the most important fuel in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was the main factor behind
industrial conurbation and dense population concen-tration in Western Europe.

However, the influence of mineral and energy resources on population distribution depends upon a wide range
of social and economic factors such as market demand, capital for development, availability of labour supply
and trans-portation network.

7. water supply

Water supply is essential for human survival and development and because of this areas which have sufficient
water (but not too much) tend to have denser populations than areas which are dry or suffer from regular
drought or areas which have excessive rainfall or which may be prone to flooding.

8. vegetation
Some types of vegetation make the development of settlement more likely, e.g. grasslands. Areas with
particularly dense rainforest, coniferous forests or those with little vegetation tend to have sparse populations.

9. raw materials/natural resources

Areas with a wealth of natural resources such as oil, coal or minerals may have higher population densities than
areas which do not. It is important to remember though that natural resources may be found in otherwise harsh
environments and that they may be traded and exported/used in areas other than where they are extracted.

10. Natural Threats

These may affect population density as people may try to avoid areas where pests, threatening animals and
diseases are particular risks.

11. Agriculture

Areas with well developed farming of crops or animals are often densely populated.

12. secondary industry

Those areas in which manufacturing has developed tend to be densely populated. It is worth noting that even in
old industrial areas in which manufacturing has declined or even closed, population densities may remain high.

13. Accessibility

Areas with well developed transport infrastructure and links through road, rail, shipping, canals and air are likely
to be more densely populated than areas which are poorly connected.

14. political decisions

Government policy can have a significant impact upon population densities. This can occur if governments
decide to open up previously underdeveloped areas (e.g. Brasilia and the development of the Trans-Amazonian
Highway in Brazil; the movement of Han Chinese to Tibet; the development of Abuja as a new capital city in
Nigeria). If governments decide not to invest in an area it may also lose large numbers of people leading to
reduced population density.

15. Conflict

Wars and conflicts can lead to significant movements of population and a simultaneous decrease in density in
some areas while others may increase.

16. Natural disasters

Natural disasters discourage population concentration. Frequent storms, earthquakes, floods, wild
fires discourage formation of settlements as people migrate to safer places. There are many examples of
destruction of settlements due to the natural disasters. The city of Bichuan, in Sichuan province of China
was completely destroyed in 2011 by an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 causing collapse of eighty percent
of the buildings and a huge loss of lives. The city was not rebuilt and left abandoned to prevent any
further loss of human life in the event of recurrence of the disaster in future.2 Similar examples could be
found in history. On August 24, 79 AD, the volcano Vesuvius erupted, covering the nearby town Pompeii
with ash and soil, and subsequently preserving the city in its state from that fateful day. Everything from
jars and tables to paintings and people were frozen in time. Pompeii, along with Herculaneum, were
abandoned and eventually their names and locations were forgotten. They were rediscovered as the results
of excavations in the 18th century.

17. Economic

Economic activity is an indicator of employment opportunities. People in the rural areas are largely
dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. If the land fails to support the rural population, or with more
opportunities available in urban areas, they may choose to migrate to cities. Concentration of population
in urban areas is an outcome of diverse economic activities and livelihood options offered by cities.
Usually, there is work for almost everyone, which is unlike in villages where there are fewer options.
Therefore, population density in the towns and cities tends to be higher than in rural areas, and will
continue to increase. By their very nature, cities provide diverse livelihood opportunities in both the
formal and the informal sectors. Industries are a large job market, and have attracted cheap labour for
several decades. The influx of labour leads to settlements being established, often on otherwise
uninhabitable land.
For example, Hydroelectric power stations in largely uninhabited areas attract migrants to these places,
resulting in increase in population. Similarly, due to growing service and tourism industry, a large
migrant population have settled in the city of Dubai, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the
world due to tourism.
18. Social

Social Organization of communities in new areas encourages the movement of people and settling
in newer lands. Man is a social animal and it becomes essential for him to form a community, creating a familiar
environment where he stays. People moving out of their native places tend to settle in those
areas, or parts of the areas, where there are people with language, culture, food habits and habits that are
like theirs. It is common to find cities having residential areas which are communal in nature.

19. Migration

Migration has deep influence on population distribution. The push factors, or negative
circumstances, at the place of origin tend to motivate people to leave their native places to newer areas.
Better opportunities in distant lands also encourage migration.
People may choose to move due to land scarcity, shortage of work in current place of residence,
insufficient wages or salaries, inadequate medical facilities and education, etc. Expectations of a better
standard of living are often the main factors that drive rural to urban migration. The migration process
allows redistribution of population, but it also puts pressure on the place of destination and increases the
population density in this place.

20. Natural increase is the net outcome of fertility and mortality in a region. If in a region, the fertility
level is high, the population of that place tends to increase. In such situations, mortality brings stability
because of deaths. Epidemics and disease have always significantly influenced mortality levels. In earlier
times, high occurrence of disease resulted in more deaths. To offset the loss, a high level of fertility was
maintained. With medical advances, many diseases could be cured and the death rate fell sharply. In
effect, the population grew. However, this created the problems of high population density and pressure
on limited resources. With the introduction of contraceptives and with several family planning options
available, birth rate began to go down.

21. War and political conflicts take a great toll on human lives. Death rates are high, and people are
forced to move out in search of safety. Mortality rates peak and the out-migration dominates. Safer
locations experience a sizeable population growth because of the in-flow of migrants. This is also the
situation in regions near the political boundaries of countries that do not have peaceful relations. Even if
there is no conflict, the fear of one compels people to move, making these areas the least populated ones.

22. Political unrest and discrimination are detrimental to population growth. Clashes between different
political parties or people with different religious beliefs have often resulted in a reduction of population
in the affected area. Before settling in a new place permanently, migrant population looks for a place that
not only provides economic opportunities but also provides safe and healthy environment for wholesome
living. A politically unstable region is unable to provide both these conditions and hence it discourages
not only the incoming migrant population but also the already residing population which might be forced
to leave the region in search of peaceful locations for settlement. Discrimination faced by migrants
because of race, language, food, culture etc., discourages in-migration. This has reduced the population
growth on one hand and newer settlements on the other.

23. Policies encouraging migration have often led to population growth in the destination region.
International labour movements take place where rules governing cross-border migration are lenient.
Migration helps in the redistribution of population. Policies that promote reduction in fertility levels,
banning of infanticide, etc. also influence the population growth in a place. For example, China’s strict
enforcement of one-child policy succeeded in curbing fertility levels and controlling population.

Summary

No single factor can be considered as solely responsible for concentrated or scanty populations, or their
distribution and growth. Most of the factors described in this module are interrelated and often act
collectively. Advances in technology have helped humans settle in places where it was not possible a few
decades ago. The tremendous population growth in the world population has forced many to settle in
uninhabitable regions where there is a shortage of adequate natural resources. Often, people do not have
the option of choosing where they must live. Earlier, physical factors determined population distribution;
however the industrial revolution and accompanying urbanization increased transport and communication
networks. These developments influenced population distribution. In this light present density map of
population is a cumulative outcome of the past.