Factors in Population Distribution and Growth

Impact of Relief on Population Distribution

Relief is one of the most significant factors influencing the distribution of the human population. Generally, the population density varies greatly with topography:

• Mountains: These areas are typically thinly populated.
• Plains: These areas are usually thickly populated.
• Plateaus: These areas are often moderately populated.

Reasons for Population Variations

Mountains and Hilly Areas

These regions are less populated because of limited means of livelihood. Agriculture is often poorly developed, and transportation facilities are limited. For example, the northeastern states of India have a lower population density due to their hilly and mountainous relief.

Plains

On the other hand, plains are densely populated because of fertile soil and well-developed agriculture. The flat terrain makes it easy to construct roads and develop industries. Better employment opportunities attract people to these areas. For example, the Ganges Plains are thickly populated.

In short, plains tend to be densely populated, while mountains and plateaus are sparsely populated.

Correlation Between Birth and Death Rates

Birth and death rates are the crucial components of population change. A birth rate is the number of live births in a year per thousand people. A death rate is the number of deaths in a year per thousand people. Population growth depends on the relationship between these two rates.

Population growth occurs not only from an increasing birth rate but also from a decreasing death rate. The relationship is as follows:

• When the birth rate is higher than the death rate, the population increases.
• When the birth rate is lower than the death rate, the population decreases.
• If the birth rate and death rate are the same, the population is considered stable, though this is largely a hypothetical situation.

Stage 3: The Expanding Population Phase

Stage 3 of the Demographic Transition Theory is characterized as the stage of an expanding population. In this phase, death rates continue to decrease, and birth rates also begin to decline. This reduction in both rates slows the overall rate of population growth. However, the population continues to grow because the birth rate remains higher than the death rate.

Characteristics of Stage 3

1. As the country makes economic progress, the average income rises above the subsistence level, leading to an improved standard of living and a reduction in poverty.
2. Technological development leads to the growth of secondary and tertiary economic activities.
3. Due to increased education levels, people understand the importance of family planning, which helps reduce the average family size.

In short, countries in Stage 3 are moving from a developing to a developed stage.