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Human Geography - Terminologies

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  Population Distribution & Density Population distribution denotes the spatial spread of people across the globe. Remarkably, 90% of the global population is concentrated on merely 10% of the Earth’s surface, indicating extreme demographic clustering. Population density, expressed as persons per square kilometre, serves as a crucial metric to assess human pressure on land. Determinants of Population Distribution Geographical Factors : Access to freshwater (rivers, lakes, aquifers), fertile plains (e.g., Indo-Gangetic Plain), favourable climate, and productive soil influence habitability. Economic Factors : Industrial hubs (like Ruhr in Germany or Osaka-Kobe in Japan) attract populations due to employment opportunities. Urbanisation brings in better civic amenities and services, triggering rural-urban migration. Mining belts (e.g., Katanga-Zambia Copper Belt) pull labour for extractive industries. Social-Cultural ...

Human Geography: Population Studies

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Population Theories Population, as a core component of human geography, is not merely a numerical count but a vital resource that significantly impacts regional planning, development policies, and socio-economic balance. Population theories aim to examine the dynamic relationship between population growth and resource availability, thereby guiding states in formulating informed policy measures. Significance of Population Studies Population studies help determine whether a country must curb its birth rate or augment its resource base through targeted programs. They also assist in: Categorizing nations based on demographic indicators, Framing region-specific development policies, and Analysing socio-political structures such as gender composition and electoral participation. I. Malthusian Theory of Population Growth 1. Origin and Context The first systematic theory of population was proposed by Thomas Robert Malthus , a priest and economist in 18th-century Engl...