Population Distribution and Density

These flashcards cover key concepts related to population distribution and density, including definitions, case studies, and factors influencing habitation patterns.

Population Distribution

Refers to the patterns of human habitation across Earth’s surface (where and why people live in certain places).

Ecumene

The inhabited area of the Earth, where only about 5% of the surface is populated.

Population Density

Measure of how many people occupy a given unit of land.

Arithmetic Density

Total population divided by total land area.

Physiological Density

Total population divided by total arable (farmable) land.

Agricultural Density

Total farmers divided by total arable land.

Human Factors affecting Population Distribution

Factors such as culture, economics, history, and politics that influence where people live.

Physical Factors affecting Population Distribution

Factors including climate, landforms, and water availability that influence human habitation patterns.

Case Study: Houston vs. New York

Houston has a population density of ~3,500 people/sq. mile, while New York City has ~29,000 people/sq. mile.

Major Population Centers

Nearly 2/3rds of the Earth’s population lives in four major centers: South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Europe.