Theme 2: Population - LEDC Population Distribution

Case Study 5: Population Distribution in a LEDC (Brazil)

This map shows the density (how crowded) of people in Brazil. Notice the purple colours (highest density) around the coast. The further west into Brazil you go the sparser the population density becomes.

Fact:

1. Brazil's population distribution is uneven.

2. 90% of the population live on a 500km strip of land along the south east coast.

South East Coast of Brazil:

(Sao Paulo / Rio de Janeiro area)

- densely populated (>100 people per km2)

- pleasant climate

- reliable rainfall

- fertile soils (1/2 world's coffee beans grown)

-available raw materials

- available energy supplies

- transport network and government investment

Amazon Rainforest:

- sparsely populated (<20>

- too hot, wet and humid / unhealthy living conditions

- dense forest makes travel, building and farming difficult

- poor soils / poor farming conditions

- far away from other areas

- lack of government investment (compared to other regions)

- Manaus (city in the rainforest located on the Amazon River = densely populated)

North East Coast:

(Recife / Salvador area)

- densely populated (>100 people per km2)

- Portuguese settlers arrived on this stretch of coastline

- natural harbours to import/export goods and trade

- reliable rainfall

- fertile soil

- good farming conditions