Chapter 5: Human Resources
Introduction to Human Resources
Human Resources: People are considered the most valuable resource of a nation. They utilize nature’s resources, apply their skills, and develop tools to make life easier and society more advanced.
Importance of Skills and Education: Healthy, educated, and skilled people can contribute effectively to society, making human resources essential for a country's progress.
Distribution of Population
Population Distribution: Refers to how people are spread across the Earth. More than 90% of the world’s population lives on only 30% of the land.
Uneven Spread: Population is not evenly distributed. Densely populated areas include South Asia, Europe, and Eastern North America, while deserts, mountains, and polar regions are sparsely populated.
Concentration of Population: Over 60% of the world’s people live in just 10 countries, mostly in Asia and Africa.
Population Density
Definition: Population density is the number of people living per square kilometer.
Global Averages: The world’s average population density is 51 people per sq km, while some areas, like India’s Ganga plains, have very high densities.
Factors Affecting Population Distribution
Geographical Factors:
Topography: People prefer plains over mountains because plains are better for farming, housing, and industries.
Climate: Moderate climates are more popular than extreme climates (too hot or too cold).
Soil: Fertile soils, like those along the Ganga or Nile rivers, attract more people.
Water: Areas near rivers and lakes have dense populations, while deserts are sparsely populated.
Minerals: Places with mineral deposits, like diamond mines in South Africa, attract settlers for jobs.
Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors:
Social: Regions with better housing, healthcare, and educational facilities attract more people.
Cultural: Places with historical or religious significance, like Varanasi or Jerusalem, are more populated.
Economic: Industrialized areas offer more job opportunities, drawing people in large numbers (e.g., Mumbai).
Population Change
Natural Increase: Population changes due to birth and death rates. A high birth rate and low death rate increase the population.
Migration: Movement of people within or between countries affects population size. Immigrants are people moving into a country, while emigrants are those leaving.
Population Explosion: In the last century, population growth has accelerated due to better healthcare and food supplies.
Patterns of Population Change
Growth Rates: Different countries have different population growth rates. For example, Kenya has a high growth rate due to high birth rates, while the UK has a stable population due to low birth and death rates.
Impact on Resources: Rapid population growth puts pressure on resources, while slow growth can affect the labor supply and economic growth.
Population Composition
Definition: Population composition describes the structure of the population, including age, gender, literacy, occupation, health, and income.
Importance: Understanding the composition helps in planning resources, like schools and healthcare, and predicting future needs.
Population Pyramids
What is a Population Pyramid?: A graphical representation showing the age and gender distribution in a population.
Interpreting Population Pyramids:
A wide base shows a high number of young people, often seen in developing countries.
A narrow base with a broader top indicates fewer births and an aging population, common in developed countries like Japan.
