Population distribution and migration
B.1] Population Distribution and Migration
1. Population Distribution Patterns
1.1 Population Density
- Definition: Number of people per unit area (usually per square kilometer).
- Formula:
$$
\text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Total Population}}{\text{Total Area}}
$$
- World Average: ~45 people per km² (as of 2023).
- High Density Areas:
- Asia: South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan), East Asia (China, Japan)
- Europe: Western Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium)
- Africa: Coastal regions of North Africa and East Africa
- Low Density Areas:
- Australia: Central and Northern regions
- Antarctica: No permanent population
- Northern Canada and Russia: Sparsely populated due to harsh climate
1.2 Population Growth
- Types of Growth:
- Exponential Growth: Rapid increase in population (common in pre-industrial societies)
- Logistic Growth: Slower growth due to environmental and resource constraints
- Key Terms:
- Natural Growth Rate: Birth rate – Death rate
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Average number of children per woman
- Replacement Level: TFR of 2.1 for maintaining population
- Global Trends:
- High Growth: Sub-Saharan Africa (TFR ~4.5)
- Low Growth: East Asia, Europe, and North America (TFR ~1.5–2.0)
- Important Date:
- 2023: World population reached 8 billion.
1.3 Factors Influencing Population Distribution
| Factor |
Description |
Example |
| Climate |
Temperate and tropical regions are more densely populated |
India, Indonesia |
| Topography |
Flat and riverine areas are preferred |
Ganges Plain, Nile Delta |
| Resources |
Access to water, arable land, and minerals |
Punjab, Texas |
| Economic Opportunities |
Urban centers and industrial zones |
Mumbai, New York |
| Historical Settlement |
Legacy of ancient civilizations |
Mesopotamia, Indus Valley |
2. Migration Types and Causes
2.1 Types of Migration
| Type |
Description |
Example |
| Internal Migration |
Movement within a country |
Rural to urban migration in India |
| International Migration |
Movement across national borders |
Migration from Mexico to the U.S. |
| Emigration |
Leaving one’s country |
Indians migrating to the U.S. |
| Immigration |
Entering a new country |
Africans migrating to Europe |
| Circular Migration |
Repeated movement between origin and destination |
Migrant workers returning home |
| Seasonal Migration |
Temporary movement for work |
Agricultural laborers in Punjab |
| Forced Migration |
Due to conflict, disaster, or persecution |
Rohingya refugees |
2.2 Push and Pull Factors
Push Factors (Reasons to Leave)
| Factor |
Description |
Example |
| Economic Hardship |
Unemployment, low wages |
Rural India |
| Political Instability |
War, conflict, dictatorship |
Syria, Afghanistan |
| Environmental Degradation |
Drought, floods, deforestation |
Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Social Oppression |
Discrimination, caste, gender inequality |
India, South Africa |
| Overpopulation |
High population density |
Bangladesh, Nigeria |
Pull Factors (Reasons to Move)
| Factor |
Description |
Example |
| Economic Opportunities |
Better jobs, higher wages |
U.S., UAE |
| Political Stability |
Safe and secure environment |
Canada, Germany |
| Environmental Conditions |
Better climate, resources |
Canada, New Zealand |
| Social Amenities |
Education, healthcare, infrastructure |
Australia, Singapore |
| Cultural Attraction |
Lifestyle, language, religion |
France, Japan |
2.3 Migration Trends and Statistics
- Global Migration Flow:
- Top Source Countries: India, Mexico, China, Philippines, Nigeria
- Top Destination Countries: U.S., Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE
- Key Statistics (2023):
- International migrants: ~281 million
- Migrants from Asia: ~140 million
- Migrants from Africa: ~60 million
- Migrants from Europe: ~60 million
- Important Date:
- 2023: India became the world’s most populous country.
2.4 Migration and Development
- Positive Impacts:
- Economic Growth: Labor supply, remittances
- Cultural Exchange: Diversity, innovation
- Skill Transfer: Knowledge and technology
- Negative Impacts:
- Brain Drain: Loss of skilled workers
- Social Tension: Ethnic and religious conflicts
- Overpopulation: Strain on resources in destination areas
2.5 Migration in Indian Context
- Internal Migration:
- Major Trends: Rural to urban, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab
- Reasons: Employment, education, better living standards
- International Migration:
- Major Destinations: Gulf Countries, U.S., Australia, Singapore
- Reasons: Employment, education, better living standards
- Key Facts:
- 2023: India had the largest diaspora in the world (over 18 million)
- Remittances: India received over $80 billion in remittances in 2022
2.6 Migration and the Indian Economy
- Contribution to GDP:
- Remittances: Contribute ~3–4% of India’s GDP
- Labor Supply: Migrants fill labor shortages in construction, IT, and services
- Policy Implications:
- Skill Development: Training for migrant workers
- Migration Policies: Regulation of labor migration and remittances
3. Key Terms and Definitions (SSC, RRB)
- Population Density: Number of people per unit area
- Natural Growth Rate: Birth rate – Death rate
- Migration: Movement of people from one place to another
- Emigration: Leaving one’s country
- Immigration: Entering a new country
- Push Factors: Reasons to leave a place
- Pull Factors: Reasons to move to a place
- Replacement Level Fertility: TFR of 2.1
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Average number of children per woman
- Gross Migration Rate: Number of migrants per 1,000 population
4. Important Dates and Facts (SSC, RRB)
- 2023: World population reached 8 billion.
- 2023: India became the world’s most populous country.
- 2023: International migrants numbered ~281 million.
- 2022: India received over $80 billion in remittances.
- 2023: India had the largest diaspora in the world (over 18 million).
- 2023: TFR in India is ~2.3, slightly above replacement level.
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