The document discusses the uneven global distribution of population, identifying four major population concentrations in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe. It also notes two emerging population clusters in Northeast USA/Southeast Canada and Western Africa. It defines ecumene as densely populated areas and non-ecumene as sparsely populated. It lists four sparsely populated regions - dry lands, wet lands, cold lands, and high lands - and asks to explain the reasons each is inhospitable for human habitation.

1. Chapter 2: Population: Key Issue 1
Where Is the World’s Population Distributed?
1. The world’s population is highly clustered, or concentrated, in certain regions. FOUR major population
concentrations are identified in the text. Shade and label the areas of these concentrations on the map.
TWO smaller concentrations, or emerging clusters, are also identified. Indicate these on the map as well.
2. In the boxes below, make notes of significant facts, features, countries involved, and characteristics of the
four most important population concentrations and two secondary ones.
Major and Secondary Population Concentrations
East Asia South Asia Southeast Asia
Secondary: Northeast USA and
Europe Secondary: Western Africa
Southeast Canada
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2. 3. Define ecumene:
4. What would non-ecumene mean?
5. In the table below, list the four “lands” which are sparsely populated on earth. For each region, explain the
reason which makes it inhospitable for human habitation and give examples of each.
Sparsely Populated Regions
Region Reason for Inhospitality
Dry Lands
Wet lands
Cold Lands
High Lands
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