APHG UNIT TWO

2.1 Population Distribution & Density

2.1.1 Factors Influencing Population Distribution

• Physical Features:
    - Climate (affects where people can live)
    - Landforms (like mountains and valleys)
    - Water sources (availability of freshwater)

• Human Factors:
    - Culture (traditions and values)
    - Economy (job availability)
    - History (migration patterns)
    - Politics (government rules and stability)

• Scale of Analysis:
    - How patterns change at local, regional, and global levels.

2.1.2 Methods for Calculating Population Density

• Arithmetic Density:
    - Total population divided by total land area.

• Physiological Density:
    - Total population divided by arable land area (land that can be farmed).

• Agricultural Density:
    - Number of farmers per unit area of arable land.

• Implications:
    - Different methods show how many people put pressure on resources.

Where is Population Distributed?

• Global Population: Around 7.8 billion people, mostly found in:
    - East Asia
    - South Asia
    - Southeast Asia
    - Western Europe

Factors That Influence Population Distribution

• The 5 Toos:
    - Areas that are unsuitable for living are often seen as “too”:
      - Hot
      - Cold
      - Wet
      - Hilly
      - Dry

• Settling Patterns:
    - Favorable conditions include:
      - Low elevation
      - Fertile soil
      - Mild climates
      - Near freshwater
    - Ecumene: Regions that are habitable.

2.1.3 Other Influencing Factors

• Economic Factors: Job availability and income opportunities.

• Social/Cultural Factors: Sense of community, safety, and housing conditions.

• Political Factors: Government stability and infrastructure.

2.2 Societal and Environmental Effects of Population Distribution and Density

• Population distribution affects government representation and services (like healthcare and education).

• Carrying Capacity: The maximum population an environment can support without damage to resources.

Changes in Distribution and Density Understanding

• In China, 94% of the population lives in the eastern region, showing urban concentration.

Environmental and Economic Implications

• High Population Density Issues:
    - More pressure on resources
    - Potential environmental damage and pollution.

2.3 Population Composition

2.3.1 Elements of Population Composition

• Age Structure and Sex Ratio: Patterns differ by region and can be shown in population pyramids.

2.3.2 Population Pyramids

• A way to visualize the age distribution in a population, helping understand growth and needs.

2.3.3 Dependency Ratio

• A calculation showing dependents compared to working-age population, affecting healthcare and education policies.

2.3.4 Historical Context

• Rising elderly population due to better healthcare and fewer births impacts resource allocation.

2.4 Population Dynamics

2.4.1 Factors Affecting Growth/Decline

• Demographic Factors:
    - Fertility rates (birth rates) and mortality rates (death rates).
    - Migration influences population changes.
  

2.4.2 Historical Trends

• Population growth increased after 1750 due to agriculture and industrial revolutions.

2.4.3 Contemporary Trends

• Growth mainly observed in developing countries, while developed regions may see declines.

2.4.4 Causes of Population Changes

• Changes depend on culture, healthcare access, and economic conditions.

2.5 The Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

2.5.1 Overview

• DTM Explained: Describes how populations transition through stages based on birth and death rates.

2.5.2 Stages of DTM

• Stage 1: High birth and death rates, stable population.

• Stage 2: Decreasing death rates, high birth rates, rapid growth.

• Stage 3: Lower birth rates as urbanization increases but death rates drop due to healthcare.

• Stage 4: Low birth and death rates, low growth.

• Stage 5: Potential negative growth, high elderly dependency.

2.6 Malthusian Theory

2.6.1 Background

• Malthus: Believed populations grow faster than resources, predicting a crisis.

2.6.2 Critiques of Malthusian Theory

• Criticized for overlooking agricultural advances and lower birth rates.

2.6.3 Alternative Theories

• Boserup’s Theory: Population growth leads to better food production.

• Neo-Malthusians: Focus on sustainability issues and resource management.

2.7 Population Policies

2.7.1 Pro-Natalist Policies

• Aim to increase birth rates using:
    - Family-friendly propaganda
    - Financial incentives for families.

2.7.2 Anti-Natalist Policies

• Aim to reduce birth rates through:
    - Education against large families
    - Family planning measures.

2.10 Migration Causes

2.10.1 Migration Definitions

• Types of Migration:
    - Immigration: Moving into a new place.
    - Emigration: Leaving a place.

• Push and Pull Factors:
    - Push: Reasons to leave (e.g., war).
    - Pull: Reasons to move (e.g., job opportunities).

2.10.2 Intervening Factors

• Factors that can either encourage or prevent migration.

2.11 Forced and Voluntary Migration

2.11.1 Types of Migration

• Voluntary Migration: Chosen for personal reasons.

• Involuntary Migration: Forced due to crises.

2.12 Effects of Migration

2.12.1 Economic Implications

• Labor Supply: Effects on economies of receiving countries.

• Remittances: Financial support sent back to home countries.

• Brain Drain: Loss of skilled workers from their home countries.

2.12.2 Social and Demographic Effects

• Cultural changes and demographic shifts due to migration affect social structures.

2.12.3 Political Effects

• Policy changes in response to immigration issues.