NCERT Class 8 Social Science Resource And Development(Geography): Chapter 5 — Human Resources
This chapter, 'Human Resources,' from NCERT's Class 8 Social Science (Resource And Development) textbook, emphasizes that people are a nation's greatest resource. It explains how human demands and abilities transform natural resources into valuable assets. The chapter highlights that human resources are unevenly distributed globally, varying in education, age, and sex. It introduces the concept of population distribution, noting that over 90% of the world's population inhabits only 30% of the land surface, with Asia and Africa being the most populous continents. The chapter also mentions the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PKVY) scheme aimed at enhancing employable skills among Indian youth. Understanding human resources is crucial for economic development and resource utilization.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Resource And Development(Geography) |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Human Resources |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 429 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that people are the most important resource.
- Explain the concept of population distribution and its uneven pattern.
- Identify the factors influencing population distribution.
- Recognize the significance of human resources for development.
- Learn about initiatives like PMKVY for skill development.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resource | Something that can be used to satisfy needs. |
| Human Resource | People considered as a resource, especially with regard to skill and availability. |
| Population Distribution | The arrangement or spread of people living in a given area. |
| Crowded Areas | Regions with a high density of population. |
| Sparsely Populated | Regions with a low density of population. |
| Equator | An imaginary line drawn around the earth equally distant from both poles, dividing the earth into northern and southern hemispheres. |
| Continents | Any of the world's main continuous expanses of land (e.g., Africa, Asia, Europe). |
| Employable Skills | Abilities and qualities that make a person suitable for employment. |
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Practice questions
- Why are people considered the greatest resource? Answer: People are considered the greatest resource because their demands and abilities turn natural resources into useful assets, and they are the ones who develop and utilize resources.
- What is meant by the pattern of population distribution? Answer: The pattern of population distribution refers to the way in which people are spread across the surface of the earth.
- Name some areas where population distribution is extremely uneven. Answer: Very few people live in high latitude areas, tropical deserts, high mountains, and areas of equatorial forests. Conversely, South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North-Eastern North America are very crowded.
- Which two continents have the majority of the world's population? Answer: Asia and Africa together have almost three-quarters of the world's people.
- What is the objective of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PKVY)? Answer: The objective of PKVY is to encourage aptitude towards employable skills by giving quality training to probable and existing wage earners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main idea of the Human Resources chapter?
The chapter emphasizes that people are the most valuable resource, transforming natural resources and driving development through their health, education, and motivation.
How is the world's population distributed?
The world's population distribution is extremely uneven, with over 90% living on about 30% of the land surface, concentrated in areas like South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
Which continents have the largest populations?
Asia and Africa are the most populous continents, housing nearly three-quarters of the world's population.
What does 'population distribution' mean?
Population distribution refers to how people are spread across the Earth's surface.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PKVY)?
PKVY is a scheme started in 2015 to train Indian youth in employable skills, aiming to enhance their career prospects.
Are human resources equally distributed worldwide?
No, human resources are not equally distributed; they differ in educational levels, age, sex, and overall numbers across the globe.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Resource And Development(Geography) — Chapter 5 — Human Resources. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.