Introduction to Human Resources

• Human resources refer to the workforce or people who contribute their skills, knowledge, and abilities to the development of a region.
• Unlike natural resources, human resources can be improved through education, healthcare, and training.
• The size and quality of human resources play a critical role in determining the economic and social progress of a country.

Distribution of Population

Population distribution refers to how people are spread across the Earth. It is uneven due to various factors:

1. Geographical Factors
   • Topography:
     • Plains are more densely populated than mountains.
     • Example: Northern plains of India are highly populated, while the Himalayan region is sparsely populated.
   • Climate:
     • Moderate climates (not too hot or cold) attract more population.
     • Extreme climates, such as deserts or polar regions, discourage settlement.
   • Soil:
     • Fertile soils support agriculture and settlements.
     • Example: The Nile Valley in Egypt has a dense population due to fertile soil.
   • Water Availability:
     • Rivers, lakes, and other water sources attract populations due to agriculture, industry, and transportation.
     • Example: Cities near rivers like Varanasi and Kolkata.
2. Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors
   • Social and Cultural Development:
     • Areas with advanced social infrastructure (healthcare, education) are densely populated.
     • Example: Urban regions with modern facilities.
   • Economic Opportunities:
     • Industrial and commercial centers attract job seekers.
     • Example: Mumbai and Bengaluru are densely populated due to industrial and IT opportunities.

Population Density

1. Population density is the number of people living per square kilometer of land.
2. Population Density = (Total Population) / (Total Land Area)
3. High Density Areas:
   • Fertile plains (e.g., Indo-Gangetic Plain).
   • Coastal regions (e.g., Mumbai).
   • Industrial regions.
4. Low Density Areas:
   • Deserts (e.g., Sahara).
   • Mountain regions (e.g., Himalayas).
   • Polar regions (e.g., Antarctica).

Population Growth

Population growth is the change in the number of people over time. It is influenced by:

1. Birth Rate:
   • Number of live births per 1,000 people in a year.
   • High birth rates lead to population growth.
2. Death Rate:
   • Number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.
   • Better healthcare and nutrition reduce death rates.
3. Migration:
   • Movement of people from one area to another.
   • Types:
     • Internal Migration: Movement within a country.
     • International Migration: Movement between countries.

Patterns of Population Growth

1. Rapid Growth:
   • Seen in developing countries like India.
   • High birth rates and declining death rates due to medical advancements.
2. Stable Growth:
   • Observed in developed countries like the USA.
   • Balanced birth and death rates.
3. Declining Growth:
   • Seen in countries like Japan.
   • Low birth rates and aging population.

Factors Influencing Population Change

1. Healthcare: Improved medical services reduce mortality.
2. Education: Educated individuals make informed family planning choices.
3. Economic Development: Prosperous regions attract populations for jobs.
4. Urbanization: Cities offer better opportunities and infrastructure, attracting people.

Population Composition

Population composition gives detailed information about the population based on:

1. Age Structure:
   • Children (0–14 years): Dependent population.
   • Working Age (15–59 years): Contributes to the economy.
   • Elderly (60+ years): Retired or dependent population.
2. Sex Ratio:
   • Number of females per 1,000 males.
   • Example: India has a skewed sex ratio due to societal factors.
3. Literacy Rate:
   • Percentage of people who can read and write.
   • Higher literacy contributes to better economic and social development.
4. Occupational Structure:
   • Distribution of population based on jobs.
   • Examples: Primary (agriculture), Secondary (industries), Tertiary (services).

Importance of Human Resources

1. Economic Growth:
   • Educated and skilled individuals contribute to productivity.
   • Example: IT professionals in India boosting the economy.
2. Development of Society:
   • Social reforms and innovations are driven by human resources.
3. Sustainable Development:
   • Effective management of human resources ensures sustainable use of natural resources.

Important Points

• Human resources are vital for transforming natural resources into goods and services.
• Population distribution depends on geographical, social, and economic factors.
• Balanced growth and human resource development are essential for a nation’s progress.