World Population Distribution, Density and Growth​ - UPSC Notes

The term "World Population Distribution" is applied to explain the distribution of the world population on the surface of the Earth. It is a complex pattern shaped by many factors such as geography, climate, and socio-economic conditions. World Population Distribution is extremely uneven from region to region, and some regions are densely populated while others are thinly populated. Such uneven distribution may be due to historical, cultural, and economic reasons, and the availability of resources and living conditions. Where conditions are good for agriculture, trade, or industry, the population is thick. Where the climate is bad or the resources are bad, the population is thin. We must be aware of this distribution to study global trends such as urbanization, economic growth, and environmental concerns.

The topic of World Population Distribution is relevant to the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam, especially for General Studies Paper I, which covers Geography and General Studies. Understanding of this topic falls under the Geography domain, and its concepts are applicable to the General Studies paper as well as the optional paper of Geography.

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About the World Population Distribution

World Population Distribution is a term used to denote the way in which the population is spread over the whole world. The population of the world is not evenly distributed. Rather, it takes different forms in which some places are densely populated and others are not. Some of the reasons for distribution are climate, geophysical features, urbanization, and other past changes in the lifestyle of people. Some areas are extremely densely populated, such as East Asia, Europe, and areas of North America, while some huge areas are sparsely populated, such as African deserts, the Arctic, and some islands.

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Pattern of Population Distribution in the World

Population distribution patterns in the world are governed by different factors. These are classified into high population density regions, moderate population density regions, and low population density regions.

• High Population Density Regions: These regions are portions of East Asia, South Asia, Europe, and areas of North America. China, India, and Bangladesh are nations with some of the world's highest population densities because they have good agricultural land, a relatively moderate climate, and a long history of trade and urbanization.
• Moderate Population Density Regions: The United States of America, Canada, Russia, and Brazil are nations with moderate population densities. These nations have enormous areas, but their populations are found in such a way that cities and urban centers have the highest population densities.
• Low Population Density Regions: Deserts (such as the Sahara), tundras, and areas of Oceania are some of the regions with low population densities because of their unsuitable climates and scarce resources. The arctic and sub-arctic areas, for example, have very low population densities because the climate is not favorable for human life.

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Factors Influencing the World Population Distribution

There are several factors that are appealing or unappealing for the settlement of human beings, which influence the population distribution of the world. These factors are as follows:

Climate and Weather

The climate of an area decides where human beings reside. Moderate and temperate climates, such as in Western Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, are densely populated. But areas with extreme climates, such as deserts (Sahara, Arabian Peninsula), polar areas (Antarctica), and mountainous areas (Himalayas), are less populated due to adverse weather and less availability of resources for survival.

Availability of Resources

Availability of resources such as fresh water, fertile land, forests, and minerals decides population distribution. Areas with vast areas of fertile land and natural resources will have high populations. For instance, the Indo-Gangetic plains of India and Bangladesh are fertile and have plenty of water, which supports high agricultural economies and high population density. But arid regions such as the Middle East or northern Africa have fewer people due to water and fertile land scarcity.

Geographical Features

Geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and plains decide the habitats of human beings. River Nile, Ganges, Amazon, and similar rivers have saved civilizations by providing water for irrigation purposes, transportation and trading activities. Coastal regions are also highly populated because sea access is of extreme importance for their trade and nutrition. Mountainous areas and large thick forests are generally avoided by human beings because the hilly terrain and low agricultural value limit human settlement.

Economic Factors

Areas with powerful economies, cities, and industries have a large number of people. Cities provide better employment opportunities, education, and medical centers for people to enhance their living standards. Urbanization has been occurring with the population getting concentrated in large cities such as Tokyo, New York, and Mumbai. Infrastructure development, which is conducive to high population density, is enabled by economic development.

Political and Social Factors

Political stability, administration, and social infrastructure would decide the population distribution. People appear to thrive in areas with stable governments and healthy institutions of health care due to better living standards. Areas with unstable politics, war, or high crime rates have low population density or people migrate to stable areas.

Historical Factors

Historical factors such as the formation of trade routes, colonialism, and the rise and fall of empires have contributed significantly to population distribution. For instance, colonial powers such as the British Empire and the Spanish Empire brought new settlement patterns that influenced population distribution, particularly in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

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Density of Population

It simply provides the number of people living in an area per square kilometer or square mile. High population densities are typically due to good climate, easy availability of resources, and good historical settlement patterns, as in areas of South and East Asia. Overcrowding, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation are common characteristics of such areas. On the other hand, areas with low population density, such as deserts or mountain ranges, tend to suffer from the lack of accessibility, poor climate, and poor economic opportunities.

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Growth of Population

The population of the world has been growing at a record rate, particularly since the 18th century. The population growth rates are decided by population growth determinants like birth rates, death rates, and migration. Population growth is high in sub-Saharan Africa due to high birth rates and medical advancements. Growth rates have decreased in some regions of Europe and East Asia due to aging and low births.

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