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
