CSEC Geography - Population Distribution Notes

Population and Distribution and Density

Objectives

  • Use maps to understand population distribution.
  • Interpret statistical diagrams to obtain population data.
  • Differentiate between population growth and population distribution.
  • Outline the factors that influence population growth and distribution.

Definition of Terms

  • Population: The total number of individuals residing in a specific area.
  • Population distribution: How people are spread over a geographic area.
  • Population density: The number of people living per unit area, such as per square kilometer.

Statistical Illustrations

  • Dot Maps: Used for population distribution, where each dot represents a specific number of people in an area.
  • Choropleth Maps: Used to visualize population density or sparseness using different color shades.
  • Topographical maps: The presence of buildings on a topographical map indicates settlements.

Population Distribution

  • Definition: Refers to how people are spread across an area.
  • Terms:
    • Even distribution
    • Uneven distribution
    • Widely spaced/spread population
    • Closely spaced/spread population
Dot Map Analysis
  1. Determine the number of people represented by each dot based on the legend.
  2. It illustrates how people are spread across the area.
  3. Describe the population distribution as even, uneven, clustered, etc.
  4. Identify areas where most people live.

Population Density

  • Definition: The number of people living in a specific area (people per square km).
  • Terms:
    • Densely populated: many people live in an area.
    • Sparsely populated: few people live in an area.
    • High population concentration.
    • Low population concentration.
Choropleth Map Analysis
  1. Identify which parishes/areas are densely populated.
  2. It shows the density of population using color shading.
  3. Describe the population density across the map (e.g., high in urban areas, low in rural areas).
  4. Identify which parishes/areas are sparsely populated.

Settlement

  • Definition: A place where people live; part of the built environment.
  • Types of Settlements:
    • Urban settlements: Built-up areas like towns and cities.
    • Rural settlements: Countryside areas with villages.
Topographical Map Analysis
  1. Population is depicted through the presence of buildings and settlements.
  2. Refer to the map key to understand symbols representing settlements.

Caribbean Population Distribution

  • Analyze maps to describe population distribution in specific Caribbean islands like Trinidad.
  • Identify areas where most people generally live.

World Population

  • Based on population data for 202*, identify areas with high population concentrations.
  • Identify continents and specific locations with significant populations.
  • Consider reasons why people live in certain areas.

Factors Influencing Population Distribution and Density

  • Historical Factors:
    • Settlement patterns of previous generations.
    • Existing infrastructure (ports, roads, buildings) from past settlements.
  • Physical Factors:
    • Relief:
      • Flat, low-lying, or gently sloping areas are easier for building and construction compared to mountainous or hilly areas.
    • The presence of rivers provides water for irrigation and domestic use, unlike swamps/marshes.
    • Windward vs. leeward coasts.
    • Availability or lack of natural resources/minerals/agricultural soil.
  • Socio-economic Factors:
    • Employment opportunities in various industries.
    • Recreational facilities.
    • Availability of utilities and services.
  • Cultural Factors:
    • Cultural values of close community living and being one with nature.
    • Ways of life, such as hunting, fishing, farming.
  • Use dot, choropleth, and topographical maps to illustrate these factors.

Mapwork - Influence of Relief

  • Relief: The height and shape of the land.
    • Highlands:
      • Some areas are too high for large populations.
      • Difficult to construct buildings, roads, or to farm.
      • Example: The Blue Mountain region is sparsely populated due to its elevation (over 1000m1000m).
      • Other mountainous areas include the Cockpit Country.
    • Lowlands:
      • Coastal plains often have large populations.
      • Flat land is easier to access, construct buildings and roadways, and carry out economic activities.
      • Example: Coastal plains such as Kingston and Portmore.

Wetlands

  • Areas covered with water for most of the year tend to have fewer residents.
    • Mangroves
    • Marshes and swamps
    • Morasses