CBSE Class 12 Geography Fundamentals of Human Geography: Chapter 2 - The World Population NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental aspects of world population, covering its distribution, density, and growth patterns. The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography, Chapter 2, provide detailed explanations and answers to key questions. Students will explore the geographical factors influencing population distribution, such as water availability, landforms, climate, and soil fertility. The solutions also address the reasons behind high population density in certain areas and explain the three core components of population change: birth rate, death rate, and migration. Understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing global demographic trends and their implications. These solutions are designed to aid students in grasping complex demographic concepts, clarifying doubts, and preparing effectively for their board examinations by offering clear, step-by-step explanations.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Geography Fundamentals of Human Geography
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 2

Chapter summary

Chapter 2 of Fundamentals of Human Geography focuses on the distribution, density, and growth of the world's population. The NCERT Solutions cover multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and detailed explanations of geographical factors affecting population distribution, reasons for high population density, and the components of population change (birth rate, death rate, and migration). This chapter helps students understand the spatial patterns of population and the dynamic processes that shape them.

Learning outcomes

Understand the factors influencing population distribution globally.
Identify areas of sparse and dense population.
Explain the components of population change: birth rate, death rate, and migration.
Analyze the reasons for high population density in specific regions.
Differentiate between push and pull factors affecting migration.
Recall key facts about global population growth trends.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Population Distribution
Factors Affecting Population Distribution
Geographical Factors
Population Density
Areas of Sparse Population
Areas of Dense Population
Population Growth
Components of Population Change
Birth Rate
Death Rate
Migration
Demographic Transition

Important topics

Factors influencing population distribution
Components of population change (Birth Rate, Death Rate, Migration)
Understanding population density
Identifying push and pull factors
Global population growth patterns

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Questions and Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

(i) Which one of the following continents has the highest growth of population?

Africa
South America
Asia
North America

Solution: The correct option is (a) Africa. Africa experiences the highest population growth rate compared to other continents due to a combination of high birth rates and declining death rates.

(ii) Which one of the following is not an area of sparse population?

The Atacama
Equatorial region
South-east Asia
Polar regions

Solution: The correct option is (c) South-east Asia. While the Atacama, equatorial regions, and polar regions are characterized by sparse populations due to harsh environmental conditions, South-east Asia, especially its river valleys and coastal plains, has fertile land and water resources that support dense populations.

(iii) Which one of the following is not a push factor?

Water shortage
Medical/educational facilities
Unemployment
Epidemics

Solution: The correct option is (b) Medical/educational facilities. Push factors are those that cause people to leave their place of residence, such as water shortage, unemployment, and epidemics. Medical and educational facilities are considered pull factors, attracting people to a new location.

(iv) Which one of the following is not a fact?

Human population increased more than ten times during the past 500 years.
It took 100 years for the population to rise from 5 billion to 6 billion
Population growth is high in the first stage of demographic transition.

Solution: The statement that is not a fact is (c) Population growth is high in the first stage of demographic transition. In the first stage of the demographic transition model, both birth rates and death rates are high, resulting in slow population growth. Rapid growth typically occurs in the second stage.

Short Answer Questions

(i) Name three geographical factors that influence the distribution of population.

Solution: Three key geographical factors influencing population distribution are:

Availability of Water: Fresh water is essential for life, agriculture, and industry. People tend to settle in areas with reliable water sources, such as river valleys and plains.
Landforms: Flat plains and gentle slopes are generally more favorable for agriculture, transportation, and industrial development compared to mountainous or rugged terrains. Therefore, plains often have higher population densities.
Climate: Moderate climates with adequate rainfall and without extreme temperatures are preferred by most people. Extreme conditions, whether very hot, very cold, or very dry, tend to limit population density.

(Other factors like fertile soils are also important for agricultural settlements.)

(ii) There are a number of areas of high population density in the world. Why does this happen?

Solution: Areas of high population density occur where multiple factors are conducive to human settlement and sustenance. These factors often include:

Resource Availability: Proximity to essential resources like fresh water, fertile land for agriculture, and mineral deposits attracts large populations.
Favorable Environment: Regions with a pleasant climate, suitable landforms (like plains), and adequate rainfall support larger populations.
Economic Opportunities: Areas with developed industries, trade routes, and job prospects tend to have higher population densities.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Some areas become densely populated due to their historical importance, religious significance, or as centers of cultural activities.

Examples include the Ganga-Yamuna Doab in India and historically significant Mediterranean regions.

(iii) What are the three components of population change?

Solution: The three primary components that contribute to population change are:

Crude Birth Rate (CBR): This is the number of live births per thousand of population in a given year for a specific region. It indicates the rate at which new individuals are added to the population.
Crude Death Rate (CDR): This is the number of deaths per thousand of population in a given year for a specific region. It reflects the rate at which individuals are removed from the population.
Migration: This refers to the movement of people from one place to another. It includes immigration (people moving into a region) and emigration (people moving out of a region). Migration can significantly alter the population size of both the area of origin and the area of destination.

The natural increase in population is determined by the difference between the birth rate and the death rate (CBR - CDR).

Common mistakes

Confusing push and pull factors in migration.
Misinterpreting the stages of demographic transition.
Overlooking the interplay of multiple factors in population density.
Not fully explaining the role of geographical factors in population distribution.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the 'why' behind population distribution patterns.
Memorize the three main components of population change.
Practice identifying geographical factors that influence where people live.
Review the definitions of birth rate and death rate.
Use the multiple-choice questions to test your recall of key facts.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which continent experiences the highest population growth rate?

Q2. Which of the following is NOT considered an area of sparse population?

Q3. Which factor is NOT a 'push' factor for migration?

Q4. Which statement about population trends is factually incorrect?

Q5. What is the most crucial factor for human settlement and life?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main geographical factors influencing population distribution?

The key geographical factors are the availability of water, landforms (plains and gentle slopes are preferred), climate (moderate conditions are favorable), and fertile soils which support agriculture.

What are the three components that cause population change?

The three components of population change are the Crude Birth Rate (CBR), the Crude Death Rate (CDR), and migration (immigration and emigration).

Why is South-east Asia not considered an area of sparse population?

South-east Asia, particularly river valleys and coastal plains, has fertile soils, abundant water, and favorable climates, leading to high population density, not sparsity.

What is the difference between a push factor and a pull factor in migration?

Push factors compel people to leave their place of origin (e.g., unemployment, water shortage, epidemics), while pull factors attract people to a new place (e.g., better job opportunities, medical facilities, education).

How do birth and death rates affect population growth?

The difference between the Crude Birth Rate and the Crude Death Rate determines the natural population growth. If births exceed deaths, the population grows naturally; if deaths exceed births, it declines.

Which continent has the highest population growth?

Africa has the highest population growth rate among the continents.

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