Population Distribution, Growth, and Industrial Factors

Population Distribution

Population distribution across the Earth's surface is uneven, influenced by various physical and human factors.

Physical Factors

• Weather: Population density tends to be higher in temperate zones.
• Vegetation: Humans generally avoid areas with dense vegetation like forests and rainforests.
• Bodies of Water: Populations concentrate near water sources due to biological needs and economic activities (agriculture, industry).
• Relief: Flat terrains like plains, valleys, and deltas attract higher population densities.
• Soil: Historically, soil fertility has been a crucial factor in population distribution.

Human Factors

• Historical Factors: Historical events and migrations have shaped population densities in areas like the Far East and Western Europe.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Societies adapt to their natural environment and develop strategies to overcome physical limitations, influencing population distribution.

Population Growth

In the 19th century, diseases and famine resulted in high mortality rates, slowing down population growth.

Migrations

Migration, the movement of people in search of better living conditions, can be categorized as:

• Internal Migration: Movement within a country (e.g., rural to urban migration).
• External Migration: Movement from one country to another.

Secondary Sector (Industry)

Human ingenuity has driven industrial development since early civilization.

Types of Industries

• Basic Industries: Perform the initial processing of raw materials.
• Transformation Industries: Process pre-formed materials into finished goods.
• Traditional Industries: Produce perishable goods for direct consumption.
• Intermediate Industries: Produce basic raw materials for other industries.
• Mechanical Industries: Produce machinery.
• Residual Industries: Include printing and graphic arts manufacturing.

Physical Factors Influencing Industrial Location

• Raw Materials: Industries require continuous access to raw materials.
• Energy: Major industrial centers are often located near energy sources.
• Water: Water is essential for life and industrial processes, including cooling.

Main Industrial Areas

• United States: Abundant and diverse raw materials support various industries.
• Japan: Hosts the largest industrial concentration in Asia.
• European Union: Collective industrial production surpasses that of Japan.
• Southeast Asia: Benefits from the availability of low-cost manual and skilled labor.