Analyze the map below and answer the question that follows.
A map of population density in South and Southeast Asia. Darker areas have higher population density. Higher population density areas are Indonesia, the coast of Vietnam, the northern border of India, the eastern coast of India, and Bangladesh. The higher populations are along coastlines.
Map by e2020
Using complete sentences, describe three ways in which the settlement patterns in South Asia resemble settlement patterns found in most regions around the world. Consider what resources people settle near and why they choose to live by these resources.
One similarity is that people tend to settle near coastlines, as they offer access to water for transportation, fishing, and trade. This is true in South Asia as well as many other regions around the world. Another similarity is that people tend to settle near fertile land, as agriculture is a key resource for survival. The northern border of India and the eastern coast of India, as well as parts of Bangladesh, all have higher population density due to the availability of fertile land for agriculture. Finally, people tend to settle near rivers, which provide water for drinking and irrigation, as well as transportation and trade opportunities. This is seen in parts of South Asia, such as the coast of Vietnam, where the Mekong River provides a key resource for settlements.
The settlement patterns in South Asia resemble settlement patterns found in most regions around the world in the following three ways:
1. Proximity to water sources: Like many other regions, people in South Asia tend to settle near water sources such as coastlines and river banks. This is because water is essential for various purposes including drinking, irrigation, transportation, and fishing. The higher population densities observed along the eastern coast of India, the coast of Vietnam, and Bangladesh can be attributed to the availability of these coastal resources.
2. Access to trade routes: Settlement patterns in South Asia also reflect a preference for living near trade routes. With India's northern border and the coastal regions of Vietnam having higher population densities, it suggests that people tend to settle along these areas due to their strategic locations and potential for economic opportunities. Proximity to trade routes enables easier access to markets and facilitates commerce, which can attract settlement and population growth.
3. Availability of arable land: Another factor influencing settlement patterns is the presence of arable land. In South Asia, higher population densities are observed in regions such as the northern border of India and the eastern coast of India. These areas often have fertile land suitable for agriculture, which can support larger populations. People settle in these regions to take advantage of agricultural resources and opportunities for food production.
Overall, settlement patterns in South Asia, as observed in this map, align with global trends of settlement near water sources, trade routes, and areas with fertile land. These factors play crucial roles in determining where people choose to live and concentrate their populations.