By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

describe the factors influencing the density and distribution of population (physical, economic, social and political factors).

This topic's Case Studies:

A densely populated country or area (at any scale from local to regional).
A sparsely populated country or area (at any scale from local to regional).

Reading

Read Chapter 1.4 ‘Population Density and Distribution’, pages 31–34. Think carefully about the Key Question (page 31) and complete all of the Activities. Pay particular attention to the key points listed below.

Learn the difference between density and distribution, and what kind of numbers (people per km²) qualify as high/low density.
You should be able to give a rough description of where in the world high/low density is found using the map in Fig. 1.

Task

The book does not divide the factors affecting density into physical, economic, social and political. Make a table or Venn diagram to record this.

Case Studies

Add the following Case Studies to your Case Study File (General Resources).

A densely populated country or area (at any scale from local to regional): North America.
A sparsely populated country or area (at any scale from local to regional): North America. Learn the population densities of the two regions, and at least 3 reasons for each as to why it has such a high/low density.

Links

Use the following links to extend your understanding.

INTERACT - Interactive Test: Population Dynamics (OUP)

CHECK - Interactive Test Answers: Population Dynamics (OUP)

Download

Complete/read the following worksheets. Check your work using the Worksheet Answers once you have finished.

READ – Population Density & Distribution Topic Summary

COMPLETE – Changes in Population Worksheet

COMPLETE – Population of China Worksheet

CHECK – Topic 1.4 Worksheet Answers

Extension Material

Use these resources if you would like to explore this topic in more detail.

COMPLETE - Population Density & Distribution Wordsearch

INTERACT- Explore UK 2011 Census Data (UKDataexplorer)

Exam Preparation

To help you prepare for your exams, complete and self-mark the following activities:

COMPLETE - Activity 1: Population

CHECK - Activity 1: Population Mark Scheme

COMPLETE - Past Paper Questions - Population Dynamics (OUP)

CHECK - Past Paper Answers - Population Dynamics (OUP)

Quiz

Complete Quiz 3: Population Structure, Density and Distribution. If you score less than 90%, try again.

Assignment

When you are fully prepared and feel confident with the material, you should complete Assignment One and submit it to your tutor for marking and feedback.