geo study guide

Define population density below:

Population density is an area of 1 km by km squared (km2) that contains a set amount of people after calculated. This number is calculated by dividing population by land mass.                 

Define population distribution below:

Population distribution is the way people are distributed in their country. There are three types of densities - linear (line), dispersed (scattered), and concentrated (clustered).

\n \n Settlement patterns in Canada vary greatly from place to place

• Generally, people live in two settlement patterns

1.  spread out from one another
2.  close together \n \n \n Dispersed - patterns typically include areas with an agricultural base because people tend to live on farms that are spread out over a region.

Concentrated patterns occur where other natural resources are present. (when economic opportunities present themselves, people settle closer together)

Example, a gold mine attracts miners and their families. This leads to a concentrated pattern of population.  

**Linear \n **Sometimes settlement occurs in a line that stretches out for some distance over a landscape

• This is a special kind of concentrated settlement pattern

• Linear patterns exist where economic activities support people and have developed in a line. Example, major highways in an isolated area or ocean coasts where fishing is important.

•  Canada’s population distribution varies greatly. \n 90% of Canada’s population lives within 600 km of the U.S border. The remaining 10% of Canadians are scattered throughout the rest of Canada. \n

Rural Settlement patterns. \n Occurs outside of cities and towns

• Characterized by: low population density/ dispersed population distribution pattern

• 3 KEY FACTORS:

1. Kinds of resources found in the area

Ex. South western Ontario rich in agricultural resources

2) Transportation methods available at the time of settlement \n Ex. Along roads or railroads

3) The role played by government policy

Ex. Government planned how, where and when settlement would occur