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AP Human Geography Unit 2 Summary

Jul 11, 2024

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AP Human Geography Unit 2: Population

Introduction

  • Topic: Understanding population distribution and density
  • Presented by Steve Heimler
  • Objective: Clarify concepts for AP exam

Population Distribution

  • Definition: Pattern of human habitation on Earth's surface
  • Example: Uneven distribution - some areas densely packed, others sparsely populated

Factors Influencing Population Distribution

1. Physical Factors

  • Climate: Humans prefer milder climates; e.g., coastal Australia vs. central Australia
  • Landforms: Lowlands are preferred over mountainous regions; exception for equatorial mountains
  • Water Bodies: Proximity to rivers, oceans, and lakes facilitates human settlement

2. Human Factors

  • Culture: Cultural significance of locations (e.g., religious sites)
  • Economic: Job availability and resources influence settlement; historic migration linked to economic opportunities
  • History: Historic population distribution influences current distribution
  • Politics: Political situations (e.g., war, regime changes) affect migration and settlement

Population Density

  • Definition: Measure of how many people occupy a given land area
  • Different from distribution; looks at how many, not where

Methods of Calculating Population Density

1. Arithmetic Density

  • Total population / Total land area
  • Example: Misleading if land is unevenly inhabitable (e.g., Taiwan)

2. Physiological Density

  • Total population / Total arable land
  • Indicates agricultural pressure; e.g., UAE high density

3. Agricultural Density

  • Total farmers / Total arable land
  • Indicates farming mechanization in industrialized nations vs. subsistence farming

Importance of Population Density

  • Political Processes: Census impacts House of Representatives seats
  • Economic Processes: Business investments and public infrastructure based on density
  • Social Processes: Accessibility of services like healthcare and schools
  • Environmental Health: Impact on resources and Earth’s carrying capacity
  • Carrying Capacity: Maximum population an environment can support; varied estimates

Population Composition

  • Definition: Characteristics of a population (age, race, gender)

Key Elements of Composition

1. Age Structure

  • Dependency Ratio: Ratio of dependents (under 15, over 65) to working-age population
  • Important for understanding economic pressure and social services needs

2. Sex Ratio

  • Comparison of males to females
  • Varies by region; influenced by policies (e.g., China’s one-child policy)

Tool: Population Pyramid

  • Visual representation of age and sex structures
  • Shapes: Indicate growth trends (rapid, slow, stable, declining)

Population Dynamics

  • Study of population growth or decline trends

Key Measures

1. Fertility Rates

  • Crude Birth Rate (CBR): Births per 1000 people annually
  • Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Average number of children a woman is expected to have
  • TFR of 2.1 needed for stable population

2. Mortality Rates

  • Crude Death Rate (CDR): Deaths per 1000 people
  • Improved healthcare and nutrition reduce CDR
  • Life Expectancy: Average lifespan; higher in developed nations
  • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Deaths of infants per 1000 live births; indicator of healthcare access

3. Rate of Natural Increase (RNI)

  • CBR - CDR; indicates growth or decline
  • Doubling Time: Time for a population to double; varies by region

Influences on Population Trends

  • Social/Cultural: Gender roles and family expectations affect fertility
  • Political: Government policies on birth rates and health services
  • Economic: Economic conditions influence birth rates and migration

Theoretical Models

1. Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

  • Stages 1-5: From high birth/death rates to declining/increasing population
  • Tracking through industrialization phases

2. Epidemiological Transition Model (ETM)

  • Stages focus on causes of death across different phases
  • From infectious disease to degenerative diseases, then return of infectious diseases

3. Malthusian Theory

  • Population growth could outpace food supply
  • Criticized due to advancements in agriculture

Consequences of Population Growth/Decline

  • Government Policies: Anti-natalist and pro-natalist policies based on demographic needs
  • Economic Impact: Labor markets, remittances, and dependency ratios
  • Cultural Impact: Introduction and assimilation of different cultures

Migration

  • Immigration: Inbound migration
  • Emigration: Outbound migration

Reasons for Migration

  • Push Factors: Negative conditions driving people away
  • Pull Factors: Attractive conditions pulling people in
  • Intervening Obstacles/Opportunities: Challenges and opportunities encountered during migration

Types of Migration

  • Forced Migration: Compelled to move due to conflict, persecution, or disaster
  • Voluntary Migration: Optional movement for better opportunities

Categories of Voluntary Migration

  1. Transnational: Maintaining cultural ties with home country
  2. Transhumance: Nomadic movement based on seasons
  3. Internal: Moving within national boundaries
  4. Chain Migration: Following earlier migrants from community
  5. Step Migration: Migration occurring in stages
  6. Guest Workers: Temporary migration for work
  7. Rural to Urban: Movement from countryside to cities

Effects of Migration

  • Political: Redistribution of power, restrictive laws
  • Economic: Labor markets and remittances impacts
  • Cultural: Cultural diversity and integration

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