Growth and Distribution of World Population

Introduction

The growth and distribution of the world population are complex and dynamic processes influenced by various factors, including economic, social, and environmental elements. Understanding how population changes occur, the components driving these changes, and the factors influencing where people live can offer insights into global trends and challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the aspects of population growth, trends, and distribution patterns to gain a comprehensive understanding of how populations evolve over time and across different regions.

Population Growth

What is Population Growth?

Population growth refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a particular territory over a specific period. This change can either be positive (an increase in population) or negative (a decrease in population).

• Expressed in terms of:
  • Absolute numbers: Total change in population count.
  • Percentage: The percentage change in population relative to the total population.

The population change in any area is a crucial indicator of:

• Economic development
• Social upliftment
• Historical and cultural background

Components of Population Growth

Population growth is influenced by three main components:

1. Births

• The crude birth rate (CBR) measures the number of live births per 1,000 people in a year.
• Formula: [ CBR = \frac{\text{Number of births} \times 1000}{\text{Estimated population at mid-year}} ]

2. Deaths

• Deaths are a simple method of measuring mortality in any area.
• The crude death rate (CDR) represents the number of deaths per 1,000 people in a specific year.
• Formula: [ CDR = \frac{\text{Number of deaths} \times 1000}{\text{Estimated mid-year population}} ]

3. Migration

• Migration occurs when people move from one place to another.
• The place they leave is called the “Place of Origin,” where the population decreases.
• The destination is called the “Place of Destination,” where the population increases.
• Migration can be a spontaneous effort to achieve a balance between population and resources.
• Characteristics of Migration:
  • It can be permanent, temporary, or seasonal.
  • Migration can occur from rural to urban areas, rural to rural areas, urban to urban areas, or urban to rural areas.
• Immigration & Emigration:
  • Immigrants: People who move into a new place.
  • Emigrants: People who move out of a place.
• Factors Influencing Migration:
  • Push Factors (make people want to leave):
    • Unemployment
    • Poor living conditions
    • Political turmoil
    • Unpleasant climate
    • Natural disasters
    • Epidemics
    • Socio-economic backwardness
  • Pull Factors (attract people to a new area):
    • Better job opportunities
    • Improved living conditions
    • Peace and stability
    • Security
    • Pleasant climate

Population Growth Rate

• India: The annual population growth rate is 1.64%.
• Other Countries:
  • Some developed countries may take up to 318 years to double their population.
  • Some countries show no signs of doubling their population.
• Doubling Time: The time it takes for a population to double is faster in developing countries compared to developed ones.

Trends in Population Growth

How Has Population Growth Evolved Over Time?

• 12,000 – 8,000 years ago (Agricultural Evolution): The population was small, about 8 million.
• First Century A.D.: The world population was below 300 million.
• 16th-17th Century (World Trade Expansion): Rapid population growth.
• 1750 (Industrial Revolution): The population reached around 550 million.
• 18th Century to Present (Population Explosion): The population continued to grow rapidly, fueled by industrialization and other factors.

Population Distribution

Basic Facts

• At the beginning of the 21st century, the world’s population surpassed 6 billion.
• The world population is unevenly distributed.
• According to George B. Cressey: “Asia has many places where people are few and few places where people are very many.”

Pattern of Population Distribution

• Definition: Population distribution refers to how people are spread across the earth’s surface.
• About 90% of the world’s population occupies only 10% of the land area.
• The 10 most populous countries contribute about 60% of the world’s population, with 6 of these countries located in Asia.

Factors Influencing Population Distribution

Geographical Factors

• Landforms:
  • Flat plains, gentle slopes, and coastal/delta regions are densely populated due to their suitability for agriculture, building infrastructure, and industry.
  • Example: The Ganga plains are among the most densely populated areas, while mountain regions like the Himalayas are sparsely populated.
• Climate:
  • Areas with a comfortable climate and less seasonal variation are densely populated.
  • Areas with heavy rainfall or extreme climates tend to have lower population density.
  • Example: Mediterranean regions have been inhabited since early history due to their pleasant climate.
• Soils:
  • Fertile loamy soils support intensive agriculture and are hence densely populated.
• Water Availability:
  • River valleys are densely populated due to the availability of fresh water.

Economic Factors

• Minerals:
  • Regions with mineral deposits attract industries and employment, leading to dense populations.
  • Example: The copper belt in Katanga, Zambia, in Africa.
• Urbanization:
  • Mega cities with better civic amenities tend to have high population density.
• Industrialization:
  • Industrial belts provide job opportunities, attracting people from different backgrounds.
  • Example: The Kobe-Osaka region of Japan.

Social and Economic Factors

• Areas with religious or cultural significance have high population density.
• Regions experiencing social or political unrest tend to be sparsely populated.

Conclusion

The growth and distribution of the world population are shaped by a multitude of factors, including births, deaths, migration, geographical conditions, and socio-economic aspects. Over time, population trends have evolved significantly, influenced by historical events such as the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions. Population distribution, on the other hand, is affected by the availability of resources, climate, landforms, and economic opportunities. Understanding these dynamics helps us to address challenges related to resource allocation, development planning, and sustainable growth.

1. Explain how migration influences the population growth of an area and the economic factors that can drive this process. (250 words)
2. Discuss the role of geographical factors in determining population distribution, providing examples from different regions of the world. (250 words)
3. Analyze the impact of industrialization and urbanization on population distribution and growth, with a focus on examples from developing countries. (250 words)