Grade 6- Population Distribution in Eastern Africa

Population distribution is the way the population is spread out in a given area.

Population Density - is the total number of people per square area Cities and towns have high population densities.

Areas that receive little rainfall, mountainous area, forests and swampy have low population.

Population distribution is influenced by the following factors.

1. Climate: - this is the main factor that determine population distribution

2. Soils:- Fertile soils attract more people, infertile soil discourage human settlement

3. Relief:- Plains and gentle slopes encourage human settlement while steep slopes and depressions discourage.

4. Vegetation:- Natural vegetation such as grass encourages pastoralists to settle in that area

5. Presence of water and drainage:- Presence of water encourages human settlement while poor drainage discourages

6. Economic activities:- Mining activities, industries, plantations, ranches, trading activities attract many people

Effects of High Population Distribution

1. Shortage of enough social services such as hospitals, schools, water supply.2. Availability of cheap labour.3. Availability of market for goods produced.4. Scarcity of land.

Effects of Low Population Density

1. Lack of market for goods produced

2. Lack of labour

3. Unutilized resources like schools, hospitals, water.

4. Poor living standard

5. Unemployment

6. Development of slums to control the rapid growing population.

7. Poor social amenities such as Hospitals

8. Traffic congestion in urban roads