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Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Notes – The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth

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Class 12 Geography Chapter 2: The World Population – Distribution, Density and Growth Notes

Introduction

These Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Notes explain world population distribution, density, growth and demographic transition. The chapter discusses factors affecting population distribution, migration, birth rate, death rate and population control measures. (NCERT Pages 7–12)

This chapter is highly important for CBSE, UPSC, SSC, CUET and State PSC examinations because questions are frequently asked on demographic transition theory, migration, population density, push-pull factors and population growth.

Chapter Overview

This chapter explains how population is distributed across the world and the factors responsible for population growth.

Major Topics Covered

  • Population Distribution
  • Population Density
  • Factors Influencing Population Distribution
  • Population Growth
  • Components of Population Change
  • Migration
  • Push and Pull Factors
  • Demographic Transition Theory
  • Population Control Measures

NCERT Notes

World Population Distribution (NCERT Page 7)

These notes explain the distribution of population across the world.

Population Distribution

Meaning

Population distribution refers to the way people are spaced over the earth’s surface.

Important Facts

  • Population is unevenly distributed across the world.
  • About 90% of world population lives on only 10% of land area.

Important Fact

  • The 10 most populous countries contribute about 60% of world population.

Important Point

  • Six of the ten most populous countries are located in Asia.

Major Populous Countries

Country
China
India
USA
Indonesia
Brazil
Pakistan

(NCERT Page 7)

Density of Population (NCERT Page 8)

These notes explain population density.

Meaning of Population Density

Definition

Population density refers to the ratio between population and land area.

Unit

  • Persons per square kilometre

Example from NCERT

Area Population Density
100 sq km 1,50,000 1,500 persons/sq km

Important Point

  • Density helps understand pressure of population on land resources.

(NCERT Page 8)

Factors Influencing Population Distribution (NCERT Pages 8–9)

These notes explain geographical, economic and social factors affecting population distribution.

I. Geographical Factors (NCERT Page 8)

1. Availability of Water

Important Facts

Water is essential for:

  • Drinking
  • Agriculture
  • Industries
  • Navigation

Important Point

  • River valleys are densely populated.

2. Landforms

Important Facts

Flat plains and gentle slopes support:

  • Agriculture
  • Industries
  • Transport

Examples

Densely Populated Sparsely Populated
Ganga Plains Himalayas

Important Point

  • Mountainous regions are less populated.

3. Climate

Important Facts

  • Moderate climate attracts more population.
  • Extreme climates discourage settlement.

Examples

Climate Type Population
Mediterranean climate Dense
Hot deserts Sparse
Polar regions Sparse

4. Soils

Important Facts

  • Fertile soils support intensive agriculture.
  • Fertile plains attract dense population.

Important Example

  • Loamy soils support higher population density.

(NCERT Page 8)

II. Economic Factors (NCERT Pages 8–9)

1. Minerals

Important Facts

  • Mineral-rich regions attract industries.
  • Mining generates employment opportunities.

Important Example

  • Katanga Zambia Copper Belt in Africa

2. Urbanisation

Important Facts

Cities provide:

  • Jobs
  • Education
  • Medical facilities
  • Better transport

Important Point

  • Rural-to-urban migration increases city population.

Important Fact

  • Mega cities attract large numbers of migrants.

3. Industrialisation

Important Facts

  • Industrial regions attract workers and service providers.
  • Industrial belts become densely populated.

Important Example

  • Kobe–Osaka region of Japan

(NCERT Pages 8–9)

III. Social and Cultural Factors (NCERT Page 9)

These notes explain social and cultural influences.

Social and Cultural Factors

Important Facts

  • Religious and cultural centres attract population.
  • Political unrest causes migration away from regions.
  • Governments encourage settlement in sparsely populated regions.

Important Point

  • Social stability encourages population concentration.

(NCERT Page 9)

Population Growth (NCERT Page 9)

These notes explain population growth and related concepts.

Population Growth

Meaning

Population growth refers to change in population during a specific period.

Important Facts

Growth may be:

  • Positive
  • Negative

Importance

Population growth indicates:

  • Economic development
  • Social development
  • Historical and cultural background

(NCERT Page 9)

Basic Concepts of Population Geography (NCERT Page 9)

These notes explain important population concepts.

Growth of Population

Meaning

Difference between population at two points of time.

Example

Year Population
2001 102.70 crore
2011 121.02 crore

Population Growth

  • 18.15 crore

Growth Rate of Population

Meaning

Population change expressed in percentage.

Natural Growth of Population

Formula

Natural Growth = Births – Deaths

Actual Growth of Population

Formula

Actual Growth = (Births – Deaths) + (In Migration – Out Migration)

Positive Growth of Population

Meaning

Occurs when birth rate exceeds death rate.

Negative Growth of Population

Meaning

Occurs when population decreases due to low birth rate or migration.

(NCERT Page 9)

Components of Population Change (NCERT Pages 9–10)

These notes explain birth rate, death rate and migration.

Components

Component
Births
Deaths
Migration

Crude Birth Rate (CBR)

Meaning

Number of live births per thousand population in a year.

CBR = (Bi / P) * 1000

Formula Terms

Symbol Meaning
B (or Bi) Number of live births
P Mid-year population

Crude Death Rate (CDR)

Meaning

Number of deaths per thousand population in a year.

CDR = (D / P) * 1000

Formula Terms

Symbol Meaning
D Number of deaths
P Mid-year population

Important Fact

Mortality depends on:

  • Economic development
  • Social advancement
  • Demographic structure

(NCERT Pages 9–10)

Migration (NCERT Page 10)

These notes explain migration and migration factors.

Migration

Meaning

Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another.

Important Terms

Term Meaning
Place of Origin Place from where people move
Place of Destination Place where people move

Types of Migration

Type
Permanent
Temporary
Seasonal
Rural to Urban
Urban to Urban
Rural to Rural

Immigration and Emigration

Term Meaning
Immigration Moving into a place
Emigration Moving out of a place

(NCERT Page 10)

Push and Pull Factors (NCERT Page 10)

These notes explain causes of migration.

Push Factors

Meaning

Factors forcing people to leave a place.

Examples

Push Factors
Unemployment
Poor living conditions
Natural disasters
Epidemics
Political instability

Pull Factors

Meaning

Factors attracting people to a place.

Examples

Pull Factors
Better jobs
Better living conditions
Security
Peace
Pleasant climate

(NCERT Page 10)

Demographic Transition Theory (NCERT Pages 10–11)

These notes explain demographic transition theory.

Meaning

Theory explaining transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as society develops.

Important Point

  • Population changes from rural agrarian society to urban industrial society.

Stage I – High Fluctuating Stage

Characteristics

Feature
High birth rate
High death rate
Low population growth
Low literacy
Primitive technology

Important Point

  • Large families are considered assets.

Stage II – Expanding Stage

Characteristics

Feature
High fertility
Declining death rate
Rapid population growth
Better sanitation
Improved healthcare

Important Point

  • Population increases rapidly.

Stage III – Low Fluctuating Stage

Characteristics

Feature
Low birth rate
Low death rate
Stable population
Urbanisation
Literacy
High technical knowledge

Important Point

  • Family size is deliberately controlled.

(NCERT Pages 10–11)

Population Control Measures (NCERT Page 11)

These notes explain methods of population control.

Family Planning

Meaning

Spacing or preventing childbirth.

Population Control Measures

Measure
Awareness campaigns
Family planning
Free contraceptives
Tax disincentives
Women’s health services

Important Point

  • Population control supports sustainable resource use.

Thomas Malthus Theory (1798)

Important Facts

  • Population increases faster than food supply.
  • Population growth may cause:
    • Famine
    • Disease
    • War

Important Point

  • Preventive checks are better than natural disasters.

(NCERT Page 11)

Important Concepts and Terms

These concepts are highly important for exams.

Term Meaning
Population Distribution Spatial arrangement of population
Population Density Population per unit area
CBR Crude Birth Rate
CDR Crude Death Rate
Immigration Movement into a place
Emigration Movement out of a place
Push Factors Factors forcing migration
Pull Factors Factors attracting migration
Demographic Transition Change from high to low birth and death rates

Important Formulas

These formulas are frequently asked in examinations.

Population Density Formula

Population Density = Total Population / Total Area

Crude Birth Rate Formula

CBR = (Number of live births during the year / Mid-year population of the area) * 1000

Crude Death Rate Formula

CDR = (Number of deaths during the year / Mid-year population of the area) * 1000

Natural Growth Formula

Natural Growth = Births – Deaths

Important Questions

These questions are useful for CBSE, UPSC, SSC and CUET preparation.

Very Short Answer Questions

  1. Define population density. (NCERT Page 8)
  2. What is migration? (NCERT Page 10)
  3. What is crude birth rate? (NCERT Page 9)
  4. Define pull factors. (NCERT Page 10)
  5. What is demographic transition theory? (NCERT Page 10)

Short Answer Questions

  1. Explain geographical factors influencing population distribution. (NCERT Page 8)
  2. Differentiate between push and pull factors. (NCERT Page 10)
  3. Explain the components of population change. (NCERT Pages 9–10)
  4. Explain different stages of demographic transition. (NCERT Pages 10–11)
  5. Discuss population control measures. (NCERT Page 11)

Long Answer Questions

  1. Discuss factors influencing population distribution and density. (NCERT Pages 8–9)
  2. Explain the demographic transition theory in detail. (NCERT Pages 10–11)
  3. Discuss causes and effects of migration. (NCERT Page 10)
  4. Explain the importance of population studies. (NCERT Pages 7–11)
  5. Discuss Malthus theory of population growth. (NCERT Page 11)

FAQs

These FAQs help in quick revision.

1. What is population distribution?

Population distribution refers to how people are spread across the earth’s surface. (NCERT Page 7)

2. What is population density?

Population density is the number of people living per square kilometre. (NCERT Page 8)

3. What are push factors?

Push factors are conditions forcing people to migrate from a place. (NCERT Page 10)

4. What are pull factors?

Pull factors attract people toward a place due to better opportunities and living conditions. (NCERT Page 10)

5. What is demographic transition theory?

It explains population change from high birth-death rates to low birth-death rates during development. (NCERT Pages 10–11)

Quick Revision Summary

These quick points are useful for last-minute revision.

  • 90% of world population lives on 10% of land area.
  • Population distribution is uneven across the world.
  • Population density is population divided by area.
  • River valleys are densely populated.
  • Flat plains attract more population.
  • Comfortable climate supports dense population.
  • Mineral and industrial regions attract population.
  • Population growth may be positive or negative.
  • Population change depends on births, deaths and migration.
  • CBR measures births per thousand population.
  • CDR measures deaths per thousand population.
  • Push and pull factors influence migration.
  • Demographic transition has three stages.
  • Stage II experiences rapid population growth.
  • Family planning helps population control.

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