Human Resources
1. Introduction to Human Resources-
People are the most valuable resource of a nation. Natural resources become
useful only when humans utilize them.
Human Resource: Refers to people with skills, education, and motivation to
develop resources.
Uneven Distribution: Human resources are not equally distributed worldwide
due to differences in: Educational levels, Age, Gender
2. Distribution of Population
Population Distribution: The way people are spread across the Earth's surface.
More than 90% of the world's population lives on just 30% of the land.
Uneven Distribution: Some areas are densely populated, while others have very
few people.
Densely Populated Areas: South and Southeast Asia , Europe , Northeastern
North America
Sparsely Populated Areas:
Polar regions (Russia, Canada, Antarctica),Deserts (Sahara, Thar),High
mountains (Himalayas, Andes, Alps),Equatorial forests (Amazon, Congo Basin)
More Population in Northern Hemisphere: About three-quarters of the world's
population lives in Asia and Africa.
Top 10 Most Populated Countries: 60% of the world's people live in just 10
countries.
3. Population Density
Definition: The number of people living per square kilometer.
Global Average Population Density: 51 persons per sq km.
Regions with Highest Population Density: South-Central Asia, East and
Southeast Asia
India’s Population Density: 382 persons per sq km.
4. Factors Affecting Population Distribution
A. Geographical Factors
i) Topography (Landforms): People prefer plains over mountains due to ease of
farming, industry, and services. Example: Ganga Plains are highly populated,
while the Andes, Alps, and Himalayas have fewer people.
ii) Climate: Extreme climates (too hot/cold) discourage settlement. Example:
Sahara Desert and Arctic regions have low population.
iii) . Soil:Fertile land supports agriculture, leading to high population. Examples:
Ganga-Brahmaputra Plains (India), Hwang He and Chang Jiang (China), Nile
River (Egypt).
iv) Water:People settle near freshwater sources like rivers. Examples: Nile,
Ganges, Amazon, Yangtze river valleys.
v) Minerals:Mining areas attract people. Examples: Diamond mines (South
Africa), Oil reserves (Middle East).
B. Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors
1. Social Factors:Places with better housing, education, and healthcare have high
population density.Example: Pune.
2. Cultural Factors:Religious and cultural significance attracts people.Examples:
Varanasi (India), Jerusalem (Israel), Vatican City.
3. Economic Factors:Industrial and commercial centers provide jobs.Examples:
Mumbai (India), Osaka (Japan).
5. Population Change
Definition: Change in the number of people over a specific period.
Historical Population Growth:Until 1800s, growth was slow due to High birth
and death rates, Poor healthcare,Food shortages.
1804: World population reached 1 billion.
1959: Reached 3 billion.
1999: Reached 6 billion (population explosion).
Reasons for Rapid Growth: Better food supply, Advances in medicine,Decrease
in death rate, while birth rates remained high.
Causes of Population Change
1. Birth Rate: Number of live births per 1,000 people per year.
2. Death Rate: Number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.
3. Migration: Movement of people between places.
Emigrants: People leaving a country.
Immigrants: People entering a country.
Examples: USA and Australia gained population through immigration; Sudan
lost population due to emigration.
6. Patterns of Population Growth
Different Countries Have Different Growth Rates:
1. High Growth: Kenya (high birth rates, falling death rates).
2. Slow Growth: UK (low birth and death rates).
3. Declining Population: Some European countries where deaths exceed births.
Balance of Population:
Birth rate > Death rate → Population Increases
Birth rate = Death rate → Population remains steady
Birth rate < Death rate → Population decreases
7. Population Composition
Definition: The structure of a population based on:
Age,Gender,Literacy level,Health conditions,Occupation,Income levels
Understanding Population Composition:
Helps in planning for schools, hospitals, and jobs.
Determines workforce strength.
*Population Pyramid (Age-Sex Pyramid)
Definition: A graphical representation of population composition.
Features:
Divides population into age groups (e.g., 5-9 years, 10-14 years).
Shows percentage of males and females in each group.
Three Types of Population Pyramids:
1. Broad Base & Narrow Top (High Birth & Death Rates) → Example: Kenya
2. Broad Base & Narrowing Top (High Birth Rate, Declining Death Rate) →
Example: India
3. Narrow Base, Wider Middle & Top (Low Birth & Death Rates) → Example:
Japan
Why Population Pyramids are Important?
Help understand the number of dependents (young and old).Show workforce
strength.
8. Importance of Young Population
India’s Advantage: A large, young, and skilled population.
Needs: Education, skills, and job opportunities.
Future Growth: A productive workforce leads to national development.
Key Terms
Human Resource: Educated, skilled, and motivated people.
Population Distribution: How people are spread over the Earth.
Population Density: Number of people per sq km.
Birth Rate: Live births per 1,000 people.
Death Rate: Deaths per 1,000 people.
Migration: Movement of people in and out of an area.
Emigrant: Person who leaves a country.
Immigrant: Person who enters a country.
Population Composition: The characteristics of a population.
Population Pyramid: A graphical representation of population age and gender.
