Human Geography
Human geography studies how people interact with places — where we live, why we move, how culture spreads, and how human activity shapes the planet.
Population Geography
Population distribution is uneven across the globe. Most people live near coasts, rivers, and fertile land.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Population density | Number of people per square km/mile |
| Birth rate | Births per 1,000 people per year |
| Death rate | Deaths per 1,000 people per year |
| Natural increase rate | Birth rate − Death rate |
| Carrying capacity | Maximum population an area can support |
The world population hit 8 billion in 2022. Asia (especially China and India) is home to over half of all humans.
Migration
People move for many reasons — described by push and pull factors:
| Push Factors (leaving) | Pull Factors (arriving) |
|---|---|
| War and violence | Safety and stability |
| Poverty and lack of jobs | Economic opportunity |
| Natural disasters | Better climate/environment |
| Political persecution | Political freedom |
| Environmental degradation | Family/community ties |
A refugee flees due to persecution or conflict. A migrant worker moves for economic opportunity. An internally displaced person moves within their own country.
Urbanization and Culture
Urbanization is the process of people moving from rural to urban areas. Today, more than half of humanity lives in cities.
- Megacities: cities with over 10 million people (Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai)
- Urban sprawl: cities expanding outward, often consuming farmland
- Gentrification: wealthier residents moving into lower-income neighborhoods, raising costs
Culture regions share similar languages, religions, customs, and values. Culture spreads through diffusion — relocation diffusion (people physically move) and expansion diffusion (ideas spread without movement).
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.