Population and economic development patterns
Practice Flashcards
Define population distribution.
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All Flashcards in Topic 1.1
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1.1.111 cards
Define population distribution.
The **pattern** of where people live across an area — clustered in some places, sparse in others.
Define population density.
The number of people per unit area, measured in **people per km²**.
Densely vs sparsely populated?
**Dense** = many people per km²; **sparse** = few people per km².
Name the five main physical factors affecting distribution.
**Relief, climate, water supply, soil fertility, resources.**
How does relief affect density?
Flat, low land is easy to farm and build on → dense; steep mountains → sparse.
How does climate affect density?
Mild, well-watered climates attract people; extreme heat, cold or drought repel them.
Why is Egypt's population so concentrated?
~95% live on ~5% of the land along the **Nile** — water + fertile silt; the desert around is dry and hot.
Why do ~90% of Canadians live near the southern border?
The far north is **too cold**; the milder south is easier to live and farm in.
Why is the Ganges–Brahmaputra delta so densely populated?
Flat relief, plentiful water and fertile silt allow intensive farming.
What does 'Explain' require that 'Describe' does not?
**Explain** needs the reason/mechanism; **Describe** just states the pattern.
How are marks split on 'Explain two physical factors [4]'?
**2 marks per factor** — each needs a mechanism linked to population density.
1.1.210 cards
Define the fertility rate.
The average number of children a woman has.
What happens to fertility as a country develops?
It **falls** — families have fewer children.
What happens to life expectancy as a country develops?
It **rises** — people live longer.
Two reasons fertility falls with development?
Female education + employment, and lower child mortality (also cost of children, family planning).
Define the demographic dividend.
The economic boost when a **large share are working-age** with **few dependants**.
How does a demographic dividend boost the economy?
More workers and taxpayers, and fewer dependants → more savings and investment.
Fertility vs life expectancy relationship?
**Negative** — high fertility goes with low life expectancy, and vice versa.
Why do educated women have fewer children?
They tend to **delay** childbearing for study/work and choose smaller families.
Why does lower child mortality reduce fertility?
When more children survive, families no longer need many to ensure some live.
Data command terms: Identify vs Estimate?
**Identify** = read a value straight off; **Estimate** = give a sensible figure from the axis.
Topic 1.1 study notes
Full notes & explanations for Population and economic development patterns
Geography exam skills
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