Population Distribution
Population distribution refers to how people are spread across a geographical area. It is rarely uniform — some areas are densely populated, others sparsely.
Factors Affecting Distribution
- Climate: moderate climates attract more people (equatorial forests and deserts have fewer)
- Relief: flat, lowland areas are more densely settled than mountains
- Soil fertility: fertile areas support agriculture and larger populations
- Water supply: rivers, lakes attract settlement (e.g. Nile Valley)
- Mineral resources: oil, coal attract workers (e.g. Niger Delta)
- Historical factors: slave trade depopulated many West African areas
Population Density
Population Density = Total Population ÷ Total Land Area (km²)
Example: If Lagos State has 15 million people in 3,577 km², density ≈ 4,195 per km².
Population Growth
Natural Increase Rate = Birth Rate − Death Rate
Demographic Transition Model
| Stage | Birth Rate | Death Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | High | High | Stable/low |
| Stage 2 | High | Falling | Rapid growth |
| Stage 3 | Falling | Low | Slowing growth |
| Stage 4 | Low | Low | Stable/ageing |
Nigeria is currently in Stage 2 — high birth rates with declining death rates = rapid population growth.