NCERT Class 12 Geography (Fundamental of Human Geography) Chapter 2: The World Population Distribution, Density and Growth – Free PDF Download

Understanding where people live, how many live there, and how quickly the numbers are rising is one of the most basic yet important parts of geography. Chapter 2 of NCERT Class 12 Geography (Fundamentals of Human Geography) focuses exactly on this. It explores the patterns of population distribution around the world, the concept of population density, and the factors that influence population growth. This chapter also explains the historical phases of global population growth and why some regions are more densely populated than others.

I chose to write this article because I believe population studies are crucial for every student—not just for exam preparation but also to understand everyday news and policies. Whether it is India’s rising population, China’s former one-child policy, or why Europe is facing ageing population issues—everything is linked to the concepts discussed in this chapter. When students learn about population distribution and growth patterns, they are better prepared to grasp real-world issues like urbanisation, resource scarcity, and environmental pressure. This chapter gives a solid foundation to build on more complex topics in geography and economics later.

Understanding Population Distribution and Density

Population is not evenly spread across the globe. Some areas like South Asia, East Asia, and Western Europe are densely populated, while others like deserts, polar regions, and deep forests have very sparse population.

Factors Affecting Population Distribution

Some main factors are:

Physical factors: Climate, terrain, water availability, soil quality
Economic factors: Job opportunities, industries, trade
Social and cultural factors: Religion, lifestyle, traditions
Political stability: People avoid areas with war or unstable governments

World’s Most Populated Regions (2023 estimates)

Region	Approx. Population	Reason for Density
South Asia	1.9 billion	Fertile plains, river systems
East Asia	1.6 billion	Industrial growth, urban centres
Europe	750 million	Historical development, cities

Understanding Population Density

Population density is the number of people living per unit area (usually per sq. km).

Formula:

Population Density = Total Population ÷ Total Land Area

For example:

Bangladesh has one of the highest population densities in the world.
Canada has very low density because of vast empty spaces and harsh climate.

Population Growth: Meaning and Trends

Population growth means the increase in the number of people over time. This chapter divides global population growth into three phases:

Early Period (up to 1800 AD)
Growth was slow due to poor medical knowledge and high death rates.
Modern Period (1800–1950)
Industrial revolution and better healthcare reduced death rates.
Post-1950 Period
Rapid population growth in Asia, Africa and Latin America due to falling death rates but high birth rates.

Population Growth Types

Positive growth: When birth rate is higher than death rate (e.g., India)
Negative growth: When death rate is higher than birth rate (e.g., Germany)
Zero growth: When both are almost equal (e.g., Japan)

Importance of Studying Population Geography

Population distribution and growth have direct links with:

Urban planning
Resource allocation
Food security
Employment and education planning
Environmental policies

If we don’t understand population patterns, it becomes difficult to plan for the future—whether it’s transport, water supply, or even disaster management.

Download PDF: The World Population Distribution, Density and Growth

To get the official and updated PDF of this chapter from the NCERT website, follow the steps below:

NCERT Class 12 Geography (Fundamental of Human Geography) Chapter 2: The World Population Distribution, Density and Growth

NCERT Class 12 Geography (Fundamental of Human Geography) Chapter 8: International Trade – Free PDF Download and Full Chapter Summary

Chapter 8 of the NCERT Class 12 Geography (Fundamentals of Human Geography) book focuses on International Trade, which is one of the most crucial aspects of a country’s economic and political relations. This chapter explains how countries exchange goods and services across borders, the patterns of trade, the role of organisations like WTO, and India’s

Chapter 8 of the NCERT Class 12 Geography (Fundamentals of Human Geography) book focuses on International Trade, which is one of the most crucial aspects of a country’s economic and political relations. This chapter explains how countries exchange goods and services across borders, the patterns of trade, the role of organisations like WTO, and India’s position in the global trade network. It also talks about different trade routes, major exports and imports, and recent changes in global trade systems.

I chose to write about this chapter because it helps students understand not just bookish definitions but also how the world’s economies are connected. In today’s time, when prices of onions in India are affected by export bans or crude oil rates are driven by international conflicts, this chapter becomes very relatable. I strongly believe students should learn how international decisions impact their own country’s economy. Whether someone is preparing for board exams or competitive ones like UPSC, understanding the basics of trade is a must. That’s why I’ve included a PDF download link also, so students can directly study from the source material.

What is International Trade?

International trade refers to the exchange of goods and services between countries. It helps nations earn foreign exchange, create jobs, and promote economic growth.

There are two main types:

Bilateral Trade: Between two countries (e.g., India and Bangladesh)
Multilateral Trade: Involves many countries (e.g., through WTO)

This chapter also discusses the difference between free trade and protectionism. While free trade supports open markets, protectionism involves tariffs and restrictions to protect domestic industries.

Importance of International Trade

Helps countries get access to goods they cannot produce locally
Promotes cooperation among nations
Brings in foreign exchange
Boosts industrial and agricultural sectors

Major Trade Routes and Patterns

Trade routes are the paths through which goods travel across the globe. These can be land, sea or air routes.

Major Sea Routes

North Atlantic Route (between North America and Europe)
Suez Canal Route (connecting Europe to Asia)
Cape of Good Hope Route (used when Suez Canal is blocked)

Factors Affecting Trade Routes

Physical barriers like mountains and deserts
Political relations between countries
Development of transport and communication

India’s Role in Global Trade

India plays a growing role in world trade, especially in services and IT. The chapter highlights:

India exports textiles, gems and jewellery, software, petroleum products
Imports include crude oil, gold, machinery, electronics
India’s trade partners: USA, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and European countries

The chapter also explains government initiatives like:

Make in India
Foreign Trade Policy
Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

These are designed to increase India’s share in international trade.

Role of International Organisations

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an important part of the chapter. It regulates international trade laws and resolves trade disputes. The chapter explains the pros and cons of WTO’s role in developing nations like India.