Population distribution

OBJECTIVES

Explain the factors influencing population distribution.

Outline the factors influencing population growth.

Outline the sources and uses of population statistics.

If you had a choice, where in Jamaica would you live? Give TWO reasons for your answer.

In any study of the population, it is essential to be aware of its distribution; it is also necessary to identify factors which determine the way in which the population is distributed within an area or in a country.

The three factors that most explain the patterns of population distribution are generally grouped into three categories: (1) geographical factors (2) economic and social factors and (3) demographic factors.

The main factors that affect distribution of population are, therefore, natural resources, fertile areas, the relief of the land, climatic conditions, types of vegetation, cultural factors, industrial development/location of mineral resources, and means of transport and communication.

(I) NATURAL RESOURCES/LOCATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES

The regions having a wealth of natural resources, like coal, water, minerals and forests, favour the growth of population. These resources help in the development of trade, commerce and industry. Readily available resources encourage exploitation and will ultimately result in industrial development.

(II) CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Climate also influences growth of population. Moderate climate leads to the growth of popula- tion because it is pleasant and refreshing. In these regions, density of population is high. On the other hand, people do not like to live in toohot and too-cold climates.

(III) FERTILE AREAS

Rich and fertile soil always helps in the growth and development of agricultural activities with substantially high revenue. This is so because fertile lands produce a variety of crops to support dense population.

(IV) TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Highly developed means of air, road and water transportation add to the density of population in a particular region because if people are able to move about as quickly and often as they desire, they will be willing to live in certain areas.

(V) CULTURAL FACTORS

Cultural factors like the modes of life of the people also affect the density of population. Culture will dictate whether one uses family planning measures or not.

(VI) RELIEF OF THE LAND

Adverse physical conditions and lack of sufficient opportunities for means of livelihood have been mainly responsible for discouraging inhabitation in certain areas. Most persons are prone to living in low, flat areas that are not treacherous and the vegetation is acceptable. Steep gradients and rugged terrain are difficult to cultivate and restrict movements.

(VII) NATURAL VEGETATION

Areas such as forests are sparsely populated, as not many persons want to live there. Some areas are hard to clear for the building of houses or to find fertile soil for farming purposes.

FACTORS INFLUENCING POPULATION CHANGE/TREND

The main factors that affect population change are birth rate, death rate and migration patterns.

BIRTH RATES

This is the number of people born into a society. It has a very profound impact on any population. Developed countries tend to have a lower birth rate due to the availability of birth control, education and with more women working outside the home. Women in underdeveloped countries are often producing many children. Many do not work and may not use or want to use, or may not have, contraceptives.

DEATH RATES

This is the number of people dying in comparison to those being born; it is a factor in determining population growth rates. This factor is affected by other factors such as disease epidemics in a particular regions, wars that take a toll on populations, healthcare availability, food resources and sanitation. Developed countries have better healthcare as opposed to underdeveloped areas, which have few healthcare resources.

EMIGRATION

The number of people who leave a country has an impact on the population. Factors that influence emigration include wars, famine, lack of resources, and natural disasters like a hurricane or earthquake. The number of individuals who migrate to a particular area will increase the population. This migration is facilitated by the appeal of a region or by emigration factors that drive people from one area and into another.

For your information:

When there is poverty: more children mean more chances that one of them will survive. It is said in some areas that children are seen as an insurance for old people. They can take care of their parents in the future.

With the great increase in technology and research, one of the results is improved healthcare: With this improving healthcare availability, human beings tend to live longer.

Education: People who are educated tend to have kids later in life, which somewhat is a brake on population growth. If people have children at an early age, and their children also, and so on, then this means a rise in population growth.

SOURCES OF OFFICIAL STATISTICS

Official statistics may be gathered from a national census which is carried out every 10 years in most countries. The Registrar’s Office can supply information on births and deaths, also marriages and divorce. The Office of Naturalization, as well as records of religious and educational institutions also provide muchneeded population statistics.

USES OF POPULATION STATISTICS

Population statistics is essential in all countries to plan for healthcare, housing, education, employment, social welfare and infrastructural development. With this in mind, every country needs basic information on its residents in order for the following to happen:

■ Planning – Good planning is based on reliable, up-to-date, accurate and detailed information on the state of the society in the country, and the population becomes the most important element when planning for a country now and for the future.

■ For a country to move forward with a satisfied population, the development and improvement of the residents’ quality of life is of paramount interest.

■ A country must plan better services as the age of a population dictates this and the vast improvement in technology worldwide demands it.

■ The improvement of citizens’ quality of life will help to solve existing problems and provide for sustainable development.

■ Statistical information, which serves as the basis for constructing planning forecasts, is essential for the democratic process since it enables the citizens to examine the decisions made by the government and local authorities, and decide whether they serve the public they