CHAPTER 1

LEARNING GOALS As you work through this chapter, you will

• understand why humans settle more in some parts of

the world than in others

• examine patterns and trends in population distribution

and density

• determine how natural and human factors

influence settlement

• create and analyze choropleth maps

In 2014, Earth’s population was 7.3 billion and increasing.

We have added 6 billion people to the planet in the last

200 years alone. Currently, the population increases by

2.3 people every second!

This photo shows the crowds gathered for the Carnival of

Venice in Venice, Italy. During the carnival, Venice becomes

very crowded. Streets, hotels, and restaurants are full of

people. When we think about a growing global population,

we also have to consider how this will affect settlements.

What happens when settlements become overcrowded?

Settlements are permanent or temporary places where

people live. They may be founded for economic, political,

or spiritual reasons. The bigger a settlement gets, the

more services it will need to provide for its population.

As the world’s population has grown, how have

settlements changed? What do you think your

community will look like in the future?

WHY CARE ABOUT POPULATION

PATTERNS AND GROWTH?

POPULATIONPATTERNSAND GROWTH

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