China’s Population Distribution

1. China’s Population Distribution How and why populations are spread across a landscape.

2. Task: • You are to read through the notes that follow and draw 4 annotated sketches of China that show the key population distribution patterns. • Each map must include evidence in the annotations to support your key points. • For each map you need to explain why the pattern of distribution exists.

3. Overview: • People are located in different areas in different intensities. Some areas are densely populated, some areas are sparsely populated. The difference in these population densities create PATTERNS. • These Patterns are usually the result of how easily people can survive in these environments and are dependent on both natural and cultural factors. • Depending on how people interact with these factors determine the level of population density.

4. Pattern 1: Linear pattern of Dense Population along major waterways. There is a linear pattern of dense population along major waterways such as the Yellow and Yangtze River. The population density of the Yangtze River is 224 people per sq km.

5. Explain What causes this pattern • Mainly caused by interaction with the environment – rivers flood and leave alluvial soils – good for growing crops – supports a dense population – result being a linear pattern of dense population along the waterways. • Construct a diagram to help illustrate the process above – make sure you include specific case study information. • GEO CONCEPT: • Fluvial processes have made a particular environment suited for human habitation – dense population pattern as a result. Accessibility to resources (fish and water) and trade = dense population.

6. Pattern 2: Linear pattern of Dense Population along east coast of China. There is a linear pattern of dense population along the East Coast of China. The average population density of the East coast provinces is 320.6 people per sq km.

7. Explain What causes this pattern • Historically – • Historically trade was dominated by ship – coastal areas had good accessibility. This resulted in businesses developing along the coast – created jobs – encourage concentrated population along the coast. • Access to Resources – • Coastal areas have access to resources (eg seafood) which make survival for people possible. • Favourable Climate – • East coast experiences a maritime climate – favourable climate conditions for people – not too extreme compared to other parts of China. Approx 1600mm of rainfall for SE China – 800 mm of rainfall for NE regions and warm temps – easy to grow crops.. • GEO CONCEPT: • Good accessibility to resources and for transport and trade = dense population pattern.

8. Pattern 3: Cluster pattern of Dense Population in Urban Centers. There is cluster patterns of dense population in Urban centers such as; Beijing 19.6 million (2010) Shanghai 22.5 million (2010) Hong Kong 7.07 million (2010) 58% of China population live in cities.

9. Explain What causes this pattern • The main reason for this clustering of population in urban areas is cumulative causation, where increase in opportunities result in increased population. • Eg small town – taxes – builds infrastructure (roads and sewerage) – more jobs – more people – migrate/settle – more taxes – more infrastructure and facilities – more people etc…… • GEO CONCEPT: • Process (cumulative causation) = results in pattern of dense population in urban areas.

10. Pattern 3: Cluster pattern of Sparse Population. There is cluster pattern of Sparse population. Xinjiang Uyghur Gobi Desert Himalayas/Northern Tibet Population density approx 1 person per sq km.

11. Explain What causes this pattern • Poor accessibility: to these areas mean no economic incentive to develop – no jobs – no attraction very inhospitable. • Climate: Cool temps for every 1000m increased in height, temp drops by 6 degrees celcius. Himalyas very cold for settlement. • Poor thin soils: Infertile – Gobi and Himalaya region • Relief: Inhospitable for human settlement – limited rainfall and very few rivers. • GEO CONCEPT: • Unfavourable accessibility and environment means a sparse population

12. Example of exam question 2012 – Give it a go!! • Draw an annotated (labelled) map to show the population distribution (where the population is located) in your named country or region. • Fully explain how natural (physical) factors have influenced where the population is located in your named country or region. • Factors/ Natural (physical) • Climate • Soil fertility • Relief (landforms) • Vegetation Resources

13. Could you do exactly the same for cultural factors?? • Draw an annotated (labelled) map to show the population distribution (where the population is located) in your named country or region. • Fully explain how cultural factors have influenced where the population is located in your named country or region. • Factors / Cultural • Historical • Social • Economic (Trade) • Political • Transport (Accessibility)