Presented here are concise notes based on the chapter “Human Resources” from the Class 8 NCERT Geography Textbook:
Human Resources – Notes Class 8 Geography
1. Introduction to Human Resources
- People are the greatest resource of a nation.
- Natural resources become valuable only when people utilize them effectively.
- Human resources include people with knowledge, skills, and abilities.
2. Distribution of Population
- Population distribution refers to how people are spread across the Earth.
- More than 90% of the world’s population lives on 30% of land surface.
- Densely populated regions: South & Southeast Asia, Europe, and Northeastern North America.
- Sparsely populated regions: High-latitude areas, deserts, mountains, and equatorial forests.
- Asia and Africa contain nearly 75% of the world’s population.
- 60% of the world’s people live in just 10 countries.
3. Factors Affecting Population Distribution
A. Geographical Factors
- Topography: Plains are preferred over mountains (e.g., Ganga Plains are densely populated).
- Climate: Moderate climates attract people, while extreme climates (hot deserts, polar regions) have low population density.
- Soil: Fertile lands support agriculture and attract people (e.g., Nile River Valley, Indo-Gangetic Plain).
- Water Availability: Areas near freshwater sources are densely populated (e.g., river valleys).
- Minerals: Regions rich in minerals attract settlements (e.g., Middle East for oil, South Africa for diamonds).
B. Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors
- Social: Better housing, education, and healthcare increase population density (e.g., Pune).
- Cultural: Religious or culturally significant places attract people (e.g., Varanasi, Jerusalem).
- Economic: Industrial regions offer jobs, attracting more people (e.g., Mumbai, Osaka).
4. Population Density
- Definition: The number of people per square kilometre of land.
- Global average density: 51 persons per square km.
- South-Central Asia has the highest population density.
- India’s population density: 382 persons per square km.
5. Population Change
- Population change refers to the variation in population over time.
- The world population has increased rapidly due to:
- Lower death rates (due to healthcare improvements).
- Higher birth rates in some countries.
- Migration (people moving from one place to another).
- Birth rate: Number of live births per 1,000 people.
- Death rate: Number of deaths per 1,000 people.
- Natural Growth Rate: Difference between birth rate and death rate.
- Migration: Movement of people within or between countries.
- Immigrants: People moving into a country.
- Emigrants: People leaving a country.
- Example: USA and Australia gain population through immigration, while Sudan loses people due to emigration.
6. Patterns of Population Growth
- Different countries have different population growth rates:
- High growth rate: Kenya (high birth rate, falling death rate).
- Stable population: UK (low birth and death rates).
- Declining population: Some countries with aging populations.
7. Population Composition
- Definition: The structure of a population based on age, sex, literacy, occupation, and health.
- Important factors:
- Age groups (young, working-age, elderly).
- Gender distribution.
- Literacy and employment levels.
- Helps in planning for education, jobs, and healthcare.
8. Population Pyramids (Age-Sex Pyramid)
- Definition: A graphical representation of a country’s population based on age and sex.
- Interpretation:
- Broad base & narrow top (Kenya): High birth and death rates.
- Broad middle (India): High young population, growing workforce.
- Narrow base (Japan): Low birth rates, aging population.
9. Importance of Human Resources
- Human resources drive economic growth and development.
- A skilled and educated workforce contributes to innovation and productivity.
- Youth must be trained and given opportunities for the country’s progress.
