POPULATION GEOGRAPHY

Introduction

What is Population Geography?

A division of human geography concerned with spatial variations in distribution, composition, growth, and movements of population.

7 BILLION PEOPLEon the planet. :-O

We currently have…

http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/

Ecumene

Portion of the world’s land surface that is permanently settled by human beings. 75% of people live on only 5% of the

earth’s surface. About 50% of people on the earth live in

cities.

Demography

The study of the patterns and rates of population change, including birth and death rates, migration trends, and evolving populations distributions.

Demographics= statistical characteristics of a population Gender, age, race, disabilities, mobility,

home ownership, employment status, location, etc.

GEODEMOGRAPHY

Population Geography=

Linear Versus Exponential Growth

How is our population growing?

Doubling Time

Time period required for a population experiencing exponential growth to double in size completely.

At a 3% growth rate, the time it will take for a population to double is less than 25 years.

Growth rates currently exceed 3% in parts of sub-Saharan and tropical Africa, the Middle East, and Central America.

Where is the population growing?

Carrying capacity

Maximum number of people a region can reasonably sustain.

Overpopulation

Occurs when a region exceeds its carrying capacity. This is difficult to measure because of changing technology and environmental issues that continually alter the carrying capacity.

Overcrowded

Simply too many people but the carrying capacity has not been reached.

Underpopulation

Measure that is difficult to pinpoint; occurs when a population size is below its carrying capacity and cannot sustain the economic development it has reached. Trouble filling jobs and fulfilling

responsibilities to society.

Zero Population Growth

Proposal to end population growth through a variety of official and nongovernmental family planning programs.

Many activists in the more-developed countries believe overpopulation is the root cause of the world’s social and environmental problems.