Global Population Distribution (SQA National 5 Geography): Revision Note

Specification checklist

This page covers what you need to know from the SQA National 5 geography specification to answer questions on:

• Physical and human factors influencing global population distribution

What is global population distribution?

• Global population distribution is the way people are spread across the world

• Population distribution is uneven

  • Approximately 5% of the Earth's land surface supports 75% of the population

  • Around 80% of the world's population lives in the northern hemisphere

• Population density also varies across the world

• Population density is calculated by dividing the total population by the total area

  • It is measured in the number of people per km²

  • The total area can be on different scales - region, country, continent

• Population distribution refers to where people live

  • It is affected by both physical and human factors

  • Areas that have more positive characteristics (both physical and human) are more able to sustain a population and so will have higher population levels

Physical factors affecting global population distribution

• Climate and weather 

  • Temperate climates with stable weather conditions are more attractive for settlements

  • Areas with consistent sunlight, temperature and precipitation are viewed as more suitable because there is enough rainfall to provide water

  • Very dry areas, very cold or very wet regions often have sparse populations because low rainfall and/or low temperatures make farming difficult

• Relief and landforms

  • The shape and elevation of the land affect the accessibility, soil quality, drainage and natural hazards of an area

  • Volcanic areas, river deltas, lowland plains and valleys with fertile soil have higher population densities

  • Flat land is attractive for building settlements and is easiest for agricultural activities

  • Steep slopes and mountainous areas with poor-quality soil have low population densities

• Soil types and quality

  • Volcanic areas can be highly attractive due to the fertile soil and resources and minerals (sulphur, gold, diamonds, etc.) brought to the surface for economic activity

• Vegetation

  • Grasslands are more attractive for the development of settlements

  • Areas with dense forest or a lack of vegetation have sparse populations 

• Natural resources such as freshwater, raw materials and minerals

  • The presence of fresh water, minerals, fossil fuels, forests, fisheries and other resources attracts human settlement and economic activity

  • Natural landscapes with attractive scenery attract tourists, which creates jobs

  • Areas that are dry or suffer from regular drought or excessive rainfall, or are prone to flooding, are less densely populated

  • Areas that lack resources often have little industry, so employment opportunities are limited

• Natural hazards

  • The frequency and intensity of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, droughts, hurricanes and other events can deter or displace human populations

Human factors affecting global population distribution

• Economic development and jobs

  • Areas with higher levels of income, trade, and industrialisation tend to attract more people and offer better living standards 

  • Past industrial regions such as Glasgow, Manchester and Sheffield have continued higher densities of population

• Political stability

  • Areas with lower levels of conflict, violence, and corruption tend to be more peaceful and secure, which encourages population growth and migration

• Services

  • Areas with better access to education, health care, and social welfare tend to have a higher quality of life and lower mortality rates

  • Services such as entertainment and retail also attract people to some areas

• Government aid

  • Some areas receive government funding, which attracts industries and creates jobs

• Transport and communication

  • Better transport infrastructure makes some places more accessible

    • The central lowlands of Scotland have higher population densities because they are more accessible by road and train

  • Places which are more accessible attract businesses and industry, which creates jobs