Human Resources:

Geography Class 8
Explore the essential concepts of human resources in the
Geography curriculum for Class 8, including population
distribution, density, and factors affecting population changes.

by Koshika Raura
Definition of Human
Resources
Human Resources Defined Key Components

Human resources refer to the Human resources encompass

people who make up the the skills, knowledge, abilities,
workforce of an organization or and potential of people within
a country's labor force. They a population. Effectively
are the foundation upon which managing and developing this
all economic and social resource is crucial for a
progress is built. country's development.

Importance for Growth

A country's human resources are its most valuable asset, driving
innovation, productivity, and economic progress. Investing in
education, healthcare, and training is vital for maximizing this
potential.
Global Distribution of
Population
The global population is unevenly distributed across the
Earth's surface. Some regions have dense concentrations of
people, while others remain sparsely populated. Factors like
climate, terrain, resources, and economic opportunities
influence where humans settle and thrive.
Global population distribution patterns show high densities in
Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa, with lower densities in
Australia, Greenland, and the Amazon Basin. Understanding
these patterns is crucial for planning infrastructure, resources,
and sustainable development worldwide.
Density of Population
Population Density Meaning

Low Density Sparsely populated areas,

typically with less than 50
people per square kilometer.

Medium Density Moderately populated areas,

usually between 50-500 people
per square kilometer.

High Density Densely populated areas,

generally over 500 people per
square kilometer.

Population density reflects the number of people living in a given area. It

varies greatly across the world, influenced by factors like geography,
resources, and economic development. Understanding population
density helps plan infrastructure and resources to support communities.
Geographical Factors Affecting
Population Distribution

1 Climate 2 Topography
Warm, temperate climates Flat, arable land is generally
tend to support higher more favorable for human
population densities as they habitation and population
are more conducive to growth compared to
agricultural production and mountainous or heavily
human settlement. forested regions.

3 Water Resources 4 Natural Hazards

Proximity to reliable sources of Areas prone to natural
freshwater, such as rivers, disasters like earthquakes,
lakes, and aquifers, is a key floods, or droughts tend to
factor in determining where have lower population
populations can thrive. densities as people avoid high-
risk locations.
Social Factors Affecting Population Distribution

Cultural Diversity Family Connections Community Ties

Differences in cultural norms, The desire to live near extended The sense of belonging and social
traditions, and social structures family and social networks plays a support found in close-knit
can influence where people choose significant role in shaping communities can draw people to
to live and how they interact with population distribution patterns. certain areas, contributing to
their environment. population density.
Cultural Factors Affecting Population
Distribution

Religious Beliefs
Religious and cultural norms around family size, marriage, and gender roles can
significantly impact population distribution.

Cultural Traditions
Longstanding cultural traditions and practices in areas like agriculture, housing, and
lifestyle can influence population settlement patterns.

Language and Ethnicity

Linguistic and ethnic homogeneity or diversity in a region can shape migration,
urbanization, and population clustering.
Economic Factors Affecting Population
Distribution
Income Levels Cost of Living Employment Infrastructure
Opportunities Development
Higher-income regions Areas with a lower cost
tend to attract more of living are more Regions with a diverse Investments in
people seeking job appealing to job market and thriving transportation,
opportunities and a individuals and industries experience communication, and
better quality of life, families, drawing larger greater in-migration as other infrastructure can
leading to population populations to these people seek make certain areas
concentration. regions. employment and more attractive for
economic stability. businesses and
residents, impacting
population distribution.
 Birth Rate and its Impact on Population Change
Birth rate is a key factor in population change, as it affects the growth rate of a population along with
death rate:
Population growth rate
The population growth rate is the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. A positive growth
rate indicates a growing population, while a negative growth rate indicates a declining population. When
the birth rate and death rate are equal, the population is stable.

Total fertility rate

The total fertility rate (TFR) is the average number of children a woman gives birth to. A TFR of 2.1 is
known as the replacement rate, meaning that if women have 2.1 children on average and they survive to
age 15, the population will remain stable. If the TFR is greater than 2.1, the population will increase, and
if it's less than 2.1, the population will eventually decrease.

Factors that impact birth rate

Birth rates are influenced by a number of factors, including:
Education and healthcare: Countries with access to education about contraception and healthcare for
women tend to have lower birth rates.
Women in the workforce: Countries where women make up a large part of the workforce tend to have
lower birth rates.
Societal expectations: Societal expectations for women in a given area can also impact birth rates.
Death Rate and its Impact on
Population Change

9M 50%
Global Deaths Preventable Deaths

15 20%
Average Life Expectancy Premature Deaths

The global death rate has a significant impact on population change.

Worldwide, there are over 9 million deaths annually, with nearly 50% being
preventable. Life expectancy varies greatly, averaging just 15 years in
some regions. Premature deaths account for 20% of all mortality,
drastically altering population growth trends.
Migration Patterns and their Effect
on Population

1 Rural to Urban Migration

Individuals moving from rural areas to cities in search of economic
opportunities and better quality of life. This leads to rapid
urbanization and population growth in metropolitan areas.

2 International Migration
People migrating across national borders, often from developing to
developed countries, due to factors like conflict, natural disasters, or
economic disparities. This can significantly impact population
composition and demographics.

3 Seasonal Migration
Temporary movements of people, such as migrant workers following
agricultural cycles or nomadic groups following grazing lands. This
cyclical migration affects local population numbers over time.
Patterns of Population Change
over Time
Exponential Growth
During periods of rapid economic and social development,
population can experience exponential growth, with birth
rates outpacing death rates.

Population Plateau
As societies become more developed, population growth
rates can stabilize and reach a plateau, with birth and death
rates evening out.

Population Decline
In some regions, populations may experience long-term
declines due to low birth rates, aging populations, and
outward migration.
Population Pyramid
A population pyramid is a graphical representation
of the age and sex distribution of a population. It is
a useful tool for visualizing the demographic
structure of a country or region.
The shape of the pyramid can provide insights into
factors such as birth rate, mortality rate, and
migration patterns over time.
 Population Pyramid of India, Japan and Kenya
The population pyramids of India, Japan, and Kenya reveal striking differences in their demographics. India's
pyramid has a broad base with a higher proportion of younger people, reflecting its high birth rate. In contrast,
Japan's pyramid is narrower at the base, indicating an aging population with low birth and death rates. Kenya's
pyramid shows a younger population with a high birth rate and lower life expectancy compared to the other two
countries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this presentation has provided a comprehensive
overview of human resources in geography, covering key
topics such as population distribution, density, factors
affecting distribution, population change, and population
composition. By understanding these fundamental concepts,
we can better assess and address the challenges and
opportunities related to human resources on a global scale.