Asia's Population: Distribution, Demographics, Migration

This is a map of population density of Asia. Which answer best explains the distribution of the population of Asia?

• Most people live in fertile river valleys in China and India.

• Most people live in the deserts and mountains of Central and West Asia.

• Most people live in Southeast Asia because it has a tropical climate

• Most people live in Siberia because it has a moderate climate.

Answer explanation

You need to know how to read a population density map. Remember that the darker colors are areas with a higher population density. The population density is clearly greatest in India and China because that is where you see the most dark colors. If you remember where the major river valleys are, and you should, you will see that it is darkest around these areas. Over 60% of Asia's population lives in India and China.

What is the best conclusion about population growth from an analysis of these population pyramids of India and China?

• China is growing faster than India.

• India is growing faster than China.

• Both are growing at the same rate.

• It is impossible to determine.

Answer explanation

India is growing faster because the pyramid is wider at the base. This means they have a greater proportion of children than China. Thus, the birth rate is higher in India than in China, so their population is growing faster.

Which of the following are push factors that cause migration in Asia? Check all that apply.

• war and violence

• better economic opportunities

• natural disasters

• more religious freedom

• famine and poverty

Answer explanation

Remember that these are bad things that "push" people out of their home countries. They're trying to get away from these things.

Don't forget to check ALL of the correct answers. Partially correct isn't good enough on these types of questions.

Which of the following are "pull" factors that cause migration in Asia? Check all that apply.

• war and violence

• better economic opportunity

• more religious freedom

• more safety

• famine and poverty

Answer explanation

Remember that "pull" factors are those things that attract people to another country. These are "good" things that make them want to move there.

Remember to check all of the correct answers in these types of questions. Partially correct is not good enough on these types of questions.

Between 1978 and 2016, China's urban population grew from 18% to 57%. The number of cities with population more than one million grew from 29 to 155, including six megacities. What is the major reason behind these developments?

• war and violence in rural areas

• better safety in the cities

• more political freedom

• economic growth

Answer explanation

The growth of cities in a society is called urbanization. This has been occurring in the developing world, such as China and India, due to greater economic development. They are industrializing, so people are moving from rural areas to the cities to get factory jobs.