Population distribution and physical factors
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Question
Define population distribution.
Answer
The **pattern** of where people live across an area — clustered in some places, sparse in others.
Question
Define population density.
Answer
The number of people per unit area, measured in **people per km²**.
Question
Densely vs sparsely populated?
Answer
**Dense** = many people per km²; **sparse** = few people per km².
Question
Name the five main physical factors affecting distribution.
Answer
**Relief, climate, water supply, soil fertility, resources.**
Question
How does relief affect density?
Answer
Flat, low land is easy to farm and build on → dense; steep mountains → sparse.
Question
How does climate affect density?
Answer
Mild, well-watered climates attract people; extreme heat, cold or drought repel them.
Question
Why is Egypt's population so concentrated?
Answer
~95% live on ~5% of the land along the **Nile** — water + fertile silt; the desert around is dry and hot.
Question
Why do ~90% of Canadians live near the southern border?
Answer
The far north is **too cold**; the milder south is easier to live and farm in.
Question
Why is the Ganges–Brahmaputra delta so densely populated?
Answer
Flat relief, plentiful water and fertile silt allow intensive farming.
Question
What does 'Explain' require that 'Describe' does not?
Answer
**Explain** needs the reason/mechanism; **Describe** just states the pattern.
Question
How are marks split on 'Explain two physical factors [4]'?
Answer
**2 marks per factor** — each needs a mechanism linked to population density.
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Topic 1.1 hub
Population and economic development patterns
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Geography exam skills
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