B.1. Factors Influencing The Distribution Of Population

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B.1. Factors Influencing The Distribution Of Population

1. Geographical Factors	(i) Availability of water: It is the most important factor for life. So, people prefer to live in areas where freshwater is easily available (ii) Landforms: People prefer living on flat plains and gentle slopes. This is because such areas are favorable for the production of crops and to build roads and industries. (iii) Climate: An extreme climate such as very hot or cold deserts is uncomfortable for human habitation. Areas with a comfortable climate, where there is not much seasonal variation attract more people. Areas with very heavy rainfall or extreme and harsh climates have low population. Mediterranean regions were inhabited from early periods in history due to their pleasant climate. (iv) Soils: Fertile soils are important for agricultural and allied activities. Therefore, areas which have fertile loamy soils have more people living on them as these can support intensive agriculture.
2. Economic Factors	(i) Minerals: Areas with mineral deposits attract industries. Mining and industrial activities generate employment. So, skilled and semi–skilled workers move to these areas and make them densely populated. Katanga Zambia copper belt in Africa is one such good example. (ii) Urbanization: Cities offer better employment opportunities, educational and medical facilities, better means of transport and communication. Good civic amenities and the attraction of city life draw people to the cities. It leads to rural to urban migration and cities grow in size. Mega cities of the world continue to attract large number of migrants every year. (iii) Industrialization: Industrial belts provide job opportunities and attract large numbers of people. These include not just factory workers but also transport operators, shopkeepers, bank employees, doctors, teachers and other service providers. The Kobe-Osaka region of Japan is thickly populated because of the presence of a number of industries.
3. Social and Cultural Factors	Some places attract more people because they have religious or cultural significance. In the same way – people tend to move away from places where there is social and political unrest.
Science and Technology helped Population Growth?	The steam engine replaced human and animal energy and also provided mechanized energy of water and wind. This increased agricultural and industrial production. Inoculation against epidemics and other communicable diseases, improvement in medical facilities and sanitation contributed to a rapid decline in death rates throughout the world