Factors Affecting Population Distribution and Demographic Transition
Classified in Geography
Written at on 
English with a size of 1.94 KB.
Factors Affecting Population Distribution
Physical Factors:
Favourable conditions include abundant water, a temperate climate, and fertile land. Regions with less water or extreme temperatures are less densely populated.Human Factors:
Historically, regions near rivers and valleys like the Nile were densely populated. Today, economic and job opportunities in cities attract large populations.Demography:
Scientific study of human population rates. Demographers measure population growth using indicators like birth rate, fertility rate, and mortality rate.Demographic Indicators:
- Birth Rate: Measures the number of births in an area over a year. Formula: (annual births / total population) x 1,000
- Fertility Rate: The number of children women have between 15-45. Formula: (annual live births / women aged 15-45) x 1,000
- Infant Mortality Rate: Deaths of infants under 12 months / total annual births x 1,000
- Rate of Natural Increase: Difference between birth and mortality rate. Positive when birth rate is higher than death rate.
Demographic Structure:
The young population of developing countries: 8% aged over 65 years, 30% is the youngest. Some countries adopt anti-natalist policies to reduce the birth rate.
The ageing population of developed countries: Increased life expectancy and declining birth rate.
Definitions:
- Migration: Long-term movement of people from one place to another.
- Emigration: Leaving one's own country or region to live in a different area.
- Immigration: Arriving at a new place of residence.
- Net Migration Rate: Difference between immigrants and emigrants.
- Rural Exodus: When people leave the countryside to live in cities.