What Is Population Density and Population Distribution? Definition, Examples & Key Concepts
Lesson Overview
- Population Growth and Birth Rate
- Immigration and Population Growth
- Fertility Rate and Population Growth
- Death Rate and Population Growth
- Life Expectancy and Population Growth
- Harsh Climate and Population Distribution
- Population Pyramid and Population Growth
- Population Growth Pace in USA
- Population Distribution Near Coasts
- Immigration and Emigration Balance
- Fertility Rate Definition
- Infant Mortality and Population Growth
- Population Density and Urban Areas
- Population Growth Trends in Jamaica
- Relief and Population Distribution
Population density and population distribution explain how many people live in an area and where they choose to live. These concepts help show why some places are crowded while others are empty. Understanding them reveals how populations grow and move.
Population Growth and Birth Rate
Population growth depends on how many people are born compared to those who die. The birth rate is the number of babies born per 1,000 people each year. When the birth rate increases, the population usually grows faster.
Example:
If a country has 1,000 people and 30 babies are born in a year, the birth rate is 30 per 1,000. If the birth rate rises to 40, the population grows faster.
Quick Tip:
A higher birth rate usually means faster population growth.
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Immigration and Population Growth
Immigration means people move into a country from elsewhere. It adds to the population size and can cause it to grow faster.
Example:
The United States' population grows largely because many people immigrate each year.
Quick Tip:
Immigration increases population by adding new people.
Fertility Rate and Population Growth
Fertility rate is the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime. A lower fertility rate means fewer babies are born, which slows population growth.
Example:
In Jamaica, the fertility rate has dropped recently, so fewer children are born.
Quick Tip:
Fertility rate shows how many children women have on average.
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Death Rate and Population Growth
Death rate is how many people die per 1,000 individuals each year. When the death rate rises, fewer people remain, so population growth slows.
Example:
If more people die from disease or disasters, population growth may stop or become negative.
Quick Tip:
Higher death rates reduce population growth.
Life Expectancy and Population Growth
Life expectancy is how long people live on average. Longer life expectancy can increase population, but birth and death rates also affect growth.
Example:
If people live longer but fewer babies are born, population growth may slow.
Quick Tip:
Longer life does not always mean faster population growth.
Harsh Climate and Population Distribution
Harsh climates, like Antarctica's cold and wind, make it difficult for people to live there. Extreme weather limits population distribution.
Example:
Antarctica is mostly empty because of its freezing climate and icy land.
Quick Tip:
Harsh climates limit where people can live.
Population Pyramid and Population Growth
A population pyramid shows age groups in a population. A wide base means many young people and a growing population.
Example:
A country with many children has a wide pyramid base, showing population growth.
Quick Tip:
Wide bases mean more young people and population growth.
Population Growth Pace in USA
The USA's population grows steadily, not very slowly. Immigration and births add new people regularly.
Example:
The US population increases each year due to births and immigration.
Quick Tip:
Population growth can be steady rather than fast or slow.
Population Distribution Near Coasts
People often live near coasts because of easier access to resources, trade, and jobs. Harsh land or forests reduce population in interior areas.
Example:
Dominica's population mostly lives near the coast, not inland.
Quick Tip:
Access to resources affects where people live.
Immigration and Emigration Balance
Emigration is when people leave a country; immigration is when people enter. More people leaving than entering causes population to shrink.
Example:
In Jamaica, more people leave than come in, lowering population.
Quick Tip:
Population changes when people move in or out.
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Fertility Rate Definition
Fertility rate is the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime. It predicts future population changes.
Example:
If fertility rate is 2, women have on average two children.
Quick Tip:
Fertility rate predicts how populations will change.
Infant Mortality and Population Growth
Infant mortality is the number of babies who die before age one. Lower infant mortality increases population by allowing more children to survive.
Example:
If infant mortality decreases, more children grow up, increasing population.
Quick Tip:
Fewer infant deaths help populations grow.
Population Density and Urban Areas
Population density measures how many people live in a small area. Cities have higher density because more people live closely together.
Example:
Roseau in Dominica has the highest population density on the island.
Quick Tip:
Cities have higher population density than rural areas.
Population Growth Trends in Jamaica
Jamaica's population growth has slowed because fewer babies are born and more people move away.
Example:
Jamaica's data shows population growth is decreasing.
Quick Tip:
Population growth can slow if births drop or emigration rises.
Relief and Population Distribution
Relief means land shape such as mountains and valleys. Steep or rugged land limits where people can live and build.
Example:
Dominica's mountainous terrain reduces population in high areas.
Quick Tip:
Steep land makes living and building harder.
Population density and population distribution explain how people live in different places and why. They show where populations grow, shrink, or stay the same. These concepts reveal how geography and human choices shape the world.
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