AP Human Geography Unit 2: Population and Migration

Introduction

• Understanding population distribution and density is crucial for AP Human Geography.
• Factors explaining population distribution include physical and human factors.

Population Distribution

Physical Factors

1. Climate:
   • Harsh climates (too wet, cold, or dry) deter high population density.
   • Example: Australian populations are near coasts, avoiding the hot, dry center.
2. Landforms:
   • Preference for lowland areas for ease of living and agriculture.
   • Mountainous regions are less populated due to harsh living conditions.
3. Water Bodies:
   • Human settlements historically near rivers, lakes, oceans for resources and trade.

Human Factors

1. Culture:
   • Places significant to cultural identities can attract populations (e.g., Israel and Palestine).
2. Economic:
   • Areas with abundant jobs/resources attract more people.
3. History:
   • Past population distributions influence present ones (e.g., black Americans in the South).
4. Politics:
   • Unfavorable politics can trigger migration.

Population Density

• Arithmetic Density: Total population divided by total land area.
• Physiological Density: Total population divided by arable land.
• Agricultural Density: Total farmers divided by arable land.

Implications of Population Distribution and Density

1. Political: Affects representation and power balances.
2. Economic: Determines resource allocation and spending.
3. Social: Influences accessibility to services like hospitals, schools.
4. Environmental: Relates to carrying capacity, resource usage.

Population Composition

• Age Structure: Organization by age groups to understand growth trends.
• Dependency Ratio: Ratio of dependents (under 15 and over 65) to working-age population.
• Sex Ratio: Comparison of males to females, varies by region.

Population Pyramids

• Visual representation of age and sex distribution.
• Shapes indicate growth trends: rapid, slow, stable, or decline.

Population Dynamics

Fertility, Mortality, and Migration

• Fertility Rate: Ability to have children, influenced by healthcare, culture.
• Mortality Rate: Death rates; lower due to better healthcare, nutrition.
• Migration: Movement of people, affects population numbers.

Theoretical Models

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

• Describes population changes from agrarian to industrial societies.
• Stages from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates.

Epidemiological Transition Model (ETM)

• Explains changes in death rates due to disease stages.

Malthusian Theory

• Thomas Malthus predicted mass starvation due to population growth outpacing food supply.

Government Influence on Population

• Anti-Natalist Policies: Measures to decrease birth rates (e.g., China's one-child policy).
• Pro-Natalist Policies: Encourage higher birth rates with benefits.
• Immigration Policies: Regulate the flow of people across borders.

Role of Women

• Access to education, family planning, and employment reduces fertility rates.
• Women's elevated status influences migration and mortality rates.

Aging Populations

• Causes: Low fertility rate, higher life expectancy.
• Consequences: Political (voting power), economic (taxes, social security), social (care for elderly).

Migration

Factors Influencing Migration

• Push Factors: Negative experiences (e.g., war, famine).
• Pull Factors: Positive attractions (e.g., job opportunities, stability).
• Intervening Obstacles/Opportunities: Challenges or opportunities encountered during migration.

Types of Migration

• Forced Migration: Involuntary (e.g., due to war or persecution).
• Voluntary Migration: Choice-based, varies from transnational to rural-to-urban.

Effects of Migration

• Political: Can alter political landscapes and laws.
• Economic: Impacts job markets and remittances.
• Cultural: Introduces new cultural elements.

Conclusion

• Comprehensive understanding of population dynamics, distribution, influence of migration, and government policies helps in grasping the complexities of human geography.