The table X below contains information on the population of four districts of country Z in the year 2016. Use the information to answer the question which f...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Total population of country Z

\(5.5 + 8.0 + 6.7 + 4.8 = 25.0\) million, i.e. 25,000,000 people.

(a)(ii) Total land area of country Z

\(60{,}000 + 105{,}000 + 125{,}000 + 88{,}000 = 378{,}000\ \text{km}^2\).

(a)(iii) Population density of country Z

\[\text{Density} = \frac{\text{total population}}{\text{total land area}} = \frac{25{,}000{,}000}{378{,}000} \approx 66.1\ \text{persons per km}^2.\] The population density is about 66 persons per km².

(b) Four factors responsible for high population densities

1. Favourable climate: moderate temperatures and reliable rainfall attract dense settlement.
2. Fertile soils and gentle relief: lowland plains and river valleys with rich soils support intensive farming and large populations.
3. Availability of water: steady fresh-water supply from rivers, lakes or coasts draws people together.
4. Economic and industrial development: abundant jobs in industry, mining, commerce and services, with good transport and social amenities, pull large numbers of people into an area (urbanisation).

(c) Three advantages associated with countries of high population density

1. Large labour force: plenty of workers are available for farms, factories and services, boosting production.
2. Large home market: the big population creates strong demand for goods and services, encouraging industry, trade and investment.
3. Cheaper provision of services and defence: where people are concentrated, roads, water, electricity, schools and hospitals can be supplied to many people at lower cost per head, and a large population strengthens national defence.