EXAM FOCUS


SAMPLE ANSWER Population density refers to the number of people per km2 in a


– both of which are considered relatively low [2m]. Population density is an average figure, and therefore does not give an accurate picture of population settlement within a country or region. For example, parts of Connemara in the West of Ireland have a population density of 6 per km2


country or region [2m]. Ireland currently has a population density of approximately 68 per km2 of 25 per km2


, while Brazil has a low population density , with very few people living over


a wide area [2m]. On the other hand, Dublin City has a population density of >4,500 per km2 relatively small area [*2m].


, with over 1 million people living in a


Population distribution refers to the spread of people across a country or region [2m]. The distribution of people across a country may be very uneven due to a number of factors which make areas either suitable or unsuitable to live in [2m]. Population density and distribution are closely related, as places more desirable to live have the highest population densities also [2m]. Again, this is seen in Ireland, as the eastern coast has a more comfortable climate, more agriculturally productive land and flat relief than the western coast, meaning the majority of Irish people are distributed along the east [2m].


Relief impacts greatly on the population density and distribution of land, with areas of flat, low-lying land tending to have the highest population densities [2m]. Over 80 per cent of the world’s population lives at an altitude of less than 500 m, as the building of settlements and transport networks is much easier on flat land [2m]. The only exception to this is in hot, tropical, equatorial regions such as Brazil, where people prefer to live in mountainous regions because these regions are cooler, e.g. Rio de Janeiro [*2m]. Areas of flat land have more fertile soils than mountainous areas, e.g. the North European Plain has fertile brown earths and boulder clays which allow for easy cultivation [2m]. These flat, fertile regions attract settlement as they are able to support the intensive growing of crops for food while mountainous soils are generally thin and infertile, which discourages settlement [2m].


Climate affects where people can live comfortably and impacts on the crops which can be grown in an area, e.g. temperate zones [2m]. In temperate zones, food crops are easily grown and there is a


The answer is focused and follows the wording of the question (and therefore the marking scheme) carefully. The answer begins with clear definitions of both population density and distribution, as well as providing clear examples of both. This shows the


examiner a clear understanding of the topic being examined. Once both have been defined, a clear understanding of the factors that influence both population and density is shown.


36


ELECTIVE 5 PATTERNS AND PROCESSES IN THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT


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