unit 1

• What does population distribution refer to?

  It refers to where people live.
• What percentage of the world’s population lives within 1,000 km of the sea?

  About three-quarters of the world’s population.
• What elevation do nearly 90% of people live below?

  Less than 500 m high.
• In which hemisphere do over 80% of the world's population live?

  The northern hemisphere.
• What are the most favoured locations for human habitation?

  • Fertile river valleys
  • Places with a regular supply of water
  • Good communications and potential for trade
• Name three major areas with high population density.

  South East Asia, north-east USA, and Western Europe.
• What are some examples of smaller population concentrations?

  South-east Brazil, the Mexican plateau, the Nile Valley, California, and Java.
• What are the characteristics of disadvantaged areas in terms of population distribution?

  • Too dry
  • Too steep
  • Too cold
  • Infertile
• What is the climate like in South East Asia?

  It has a monsoonal climate with alternating seasons of flood and drought.
• What are human factors that affect population distribution?

  The distribution of raw materials, government policy, new town policies, conflict, and migration.
• How has government policy affected population distribution in South Africa?

  It led to a redistribution of populations under the Apartheid policy.
• What is the impact of conflict and war on population distribution?

  It may lead to some areas losing population.
• What is the difference between population distribution and population density?

  Distribution is where people live, while density measures how many live there (per km²).
• What do Lorenz Curves show?

  Inequalities in population distribution.
• What is the annual income threshold for high-income countries (HICs) according to the World Bank in 2014?

  Over $12,475.
• What is the classification for low-income countries (LICs)?

  Countries with incomes less than $1,025 per person per year.
• What distinguishes lower middle-income countries from upper middle-income countries?

  Lower middle-income countries have incomes between $1,025 and $4,035, while upper middle-income countries have incomes between $4,036 and $12,475.
• How many people live in middle-income countries (MICs)?

  About 5 billion people.
• What is the Brandt line or North-South Divide?

  A simplistic classification dividing the world into rich and poor.
• What are the categories of economic classifications of countries?

  • More economically developed countries (MEDCs)
  • Newly industrialising countries (NICs)
  • Centrally planned economies (CPEs)
  • Oil-rich countries
  • Less economically developed countries (LEDCs)
  • Least developed countries (LDCs)
• Name an example of a newly industrialising country (NIC).

  Malaysia.
• What are BRICS countries?

  Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• What are oil-rich countries known for?

  They are very rich in terms of income per head, although income distribution may be uneven.
• What is the main characteristic of least developed countries (LDCs)?

  They have very low standards of living.
• What should be considered when classifying global economic groupings?

  • Levels of development are difficult to define.
  • Categories should be seen as a continuum.
  • Include economic and human development factors.
• What is the main feature of population distribution in China?

  It is very uneven, mainly concentrated in the eastern part of the country.
• What percentage of the population lives on less than 1% of the land in China?

  More than 10%.
• What is the significance of coastal and river locations in China?

  They are favoured sites for trade and commerce.
• How many megacities does China have?

  More than 50 cities with over a million inhabitants.
• What is the predicted urban population increase in China by 2020?

  A further 350 million urban inhabitants.
• What has characterized internal migration in China in recent decades?

  The world's largest internal population movement.
• What has been the impact of internal migration on the Chinese economy?

  It has been good for the economy and generally beneficial to migrants.
• What challenges have arisen due to internal migration in China?

  Rising land and labour costs.
• What is the population density in Gauteng province, South Africa?

  Over 1,000 people/km².
• What factors contribute to high population densities in South Africa?

  Good mineral resources, farming potential, and trading potential.
• What was the impact of the apartheid era on population distribution in South Africa?

  It led to the forced migration of many black people to homelands.
• What percentage of South Africa's urban population grew from 1995 to 2015?

  From 55% to 65%.
• Where do most African refugees fleeing violence or poverty tend to stay?

  Most remain in Africa.
• What has led to an increase in the number of displaced people in Africa?

  New conflicts and unresolved crises in various countries.
• How many migrants are believed to be in South Africa?

  Between 1.5 million and 3.2 million.