Factors Affecting the Distribution of Population
Geographical Features
Topography: Plains are preferred over mountains and plateaus due to their suitability for agriculture, manufacturing, and service activities. The Ganga plains represent one of the most densely populated regions globally, whereas areas like the Andes, Alps, and Himalayas remain sparsely populated.
Climate: Extreme climates, whether excessively hot or cold, are generally avoided by human settlement. Examples include the Sahara Desert and the polar regions of Russia, Canada, and Antarctica.
Soil: Fertile soils are conducive to agriculture and, thus, tend to support denser populations. Regions like the Ganga and Brahmaputra plains in India, the Hwang-He and Chang Jiang valleys in China, and the Nile delta in Egypt are densely populated due to their fertile soils.
Water: Areas with easy access to freshwater sources, such as river valleys, tend to be densely populated, while deserts typically have sparse populations.
Minerals: Regions rich in mineral deposits often attract settlement. For instance, the discovery of diamond mines in South Africa and oil reserves in the Middle East led to significant population influxes.
Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors
Social: Regions offering better housing, education, and healthcare facilities tend to have higher population densities. For example, Pune in India.
Cultural: Places of religious or cultural significance often draw people, such as Varanasi in India, Jerusalem, and Vatican City.
Economic: Industrial hubs provide employment opportunities, leading to dense populations. Examples include Osaka in Japan and Mumbai in India.
Chapter 6: Human Resources| CBSE Notes Class 8 Geography Notes
The Ministry of Human Resource Development was established by the Government of India in 1985 to enhance the skills of the population. This underscores the significance of people as a valuable asset for the country. Similar to other resources, human resources exhibit disparities in distribution worldwide, varying across factors such as education levels, age, and gender.
Moreover, their numbers and characteristics are subject to constant change. For further insights into Human Resources, students can refer to Chapter 6 of CBSE Class 8 Geography. Additionally, CBSE Notes Class 8 Geography Chapter 6-Human Resources serves as an excellent resource for comprehensive understanding and effective exam preparation.
Chapter 6: Human Resources| CBSE Notes Class 8 Geography Notes