Factors that influence population distribution by
Charles Monari
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Climate
•Areas with good climate are suitable for farming therefore have dense population.
•Hot and dry areas have less people.
•Very cold areas likewise have few people.
Desert – has few people
Very cold areas - no settlement
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SOILS
•Fertile soils are good for farming and this attracts people.
•Areas with infertile soils have low population density.
Fertile soils – many people
Infertile soils- few people
RELIEF
•Steep slopes are difficult to cultivate hence low population.
•Flat areas flood during rainy season therefore low population.
•Areas with gentle slopes attract people therefore high population.
DRAINAGE
•Swampy areas are not settled because of waterborne diseases.
•River valleys eg Egypt people are settled the Nile valley.
•Construction of hydroelectric dams will depopulate the area.
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URBANIZATION
Urban centres attract many people who come for various activities.
Miombo woodlands - low
Dense forest - few people
Farming activities; Areas where largescale farming is practised there are few people whereas where small scale farming is practised people are many.
Largescale farm - Few people
Small farms - Densely populated
Mining activities – high population
GOVERNMENT POLICY
The government of Tanzania established ‘ vijiji vya ujamaa’ ie community villages.
Good infrastucture - high
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