In IB Geography, population distribution describes how people are spread across the Earth’s surface at global, national, and local scales. These patterns are not random. One of the most important influences on where people live is a country’s level of economic development. Understanding this relationship allows students to explain population patterns clearly and apply theory effectively in exams.
At a global scale, population is concentrated in regions that offer economic opportunities, favourable physical conditions, and access to services. Countries at different stages of development display distinct population distribution patterns because development affects employment, infrastructure, healthcare, and quality of life.
In low-income countries (LICs), population distribution is often closely linked to physical geography. Many people live in fertile river valleys, coastal plains, or areas with reliable rainfall where subsistence agriculture is possible. Economic opportunities outside farming are limited, which encourages migration to major cities. As a result, LICs often experience very uneven population distribution, with extremely high densities in capital cities and low densities in rural or remote regions. Rapid urban growth can overwhelm housing, sanitation, and transport systems.
In middle-income countries (MICs), population distribution begins to change as economies industrialise and diversify. Manufacturing and service-sector growth create employment beyond agriculture, encouraging people to move to secondary cities rather than only capital cities. Improved transport infrastructure makes internal migration easier, leading to a more balanced population spread. However, many MICs still experience rapid urbanisation and the growth of megacities.
In high-income countries (HICs), population distribution is shaped more by lifestyle choice than survival. Advanced infrastructure, high-quality healthcare, and strong economies allow people to live further from their workplaces. This results in suburbanisation and counter-urbanisation, where populations move away from dense inner cities to suburbs and rural areas. While major cities remain economic hubs, population density is often more evenly distributed across regions.
Overall, as countries develop economically, population distribution tends to become less extreme. Patterns shift from survival-based settlement in LICs to choice-based living in HICs. This concept links population geography with development, urbanisation, and sustainability, making it highly relevant across multiple IB Geography topics.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students master these connections through clear explanations, exam-style practice, and syllabus-aligned revision, ensuring confident and accurate geographical analysis.
