Population Density, Distribution & Growth

What if the world was one city? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_iNRGac_uM&t=340s

Population Density Refers to the number of people in a certain area of land Formula to calculate: Population ÷ Land area = # of people / km2 Canada for example: (Population) ÷ (Land Area) = # ppl/km2 33,476,688 ÷ 8,965,121.42 km2 = 3.7 That is there is: 3.7 people/km2

Population Density What is the population density of: Brazil 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 Canada? 3.7 people/ km2

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?

So where do people live?

Identify global patterns of population distribution What do you notice about Global Population Distribution?

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.

Europe Sparsely populated in Extreme North Densely populated throughout.

Asia Sparsely populated in North & center Densely populated in South East

Africa Sparsely populated in Sahara Densely in North & Sub Sahara

Why do people live places? People choose their locations based on two sets of factors: Physical Factors Human Factors

Physical Factors Climate Landscape Resources Soils Vegetation Water Accessibility

Human Factors Government Policies Disease Development Culture Communication

Another way to look at Population Density and Distribution Where people live…in greater concentrations!! Climate: Economics: Transportation:

The CLIMATE Factor – Population Density and Distribution 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 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.

BC Population Distribution