Population, distribution, growth and changeFactors influencing global population distribution

Physical factors

Climate

• People prefer to live in temperate climates where there is enough rainfall and no extremes of temperature.
• A lack of fresh water for drinking or irrigation stops people living in an area.
• Very high temperatures make farming difficult. Dehydration and heat stroke are other issues.
• Areas with high humidity are also uncomfortable places to live and can be affected by diseases such as malaria.
• Very cold temperatures make it difficult to grow crops or to build homes and transport links as the ground can be frozen for much of the year.
• Frostbite makes it difficult to work outside for any length of time, and protective clothing would need to be worn.

Relief

• Steep slopes make the use of machinery difficult.
• Steep slopes also make it difficult to build houses, roads and railways.
• High, mountainous areas are too cold which makes it difficult to grow crops.
• High mountainous areas are often remote which makes them difficult to access.
• Flat, low-lying areas have deeper soil which makes it easier to grow crops.

Natural resources

• Few natural resources, such as coal, in an area means there is a lack of industry and therefore a lack of employment opportunities.
• Scenery is a resource and can attract tourists, bringing job opportunities.

Soils

• Areas with fertile soils, eg river deltas, are good for growing crops to feed the population.
• Poor soils with few nutrients mean there will be a low agricultural output.