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Question

Difficulty: EasyPopulation Distribution and Density Factors

Match each geographic region in West Africa with the primary factor that influences its population density.

  • Niger DeltaAbundant petroleum resources and coastal commercial opportunities driving high population concentration
  • Sahel ZoneArid climate and scanty rainfall severely restricting agricultural capacity and keeping density low
  • Jos PlateauTemperate climate and historical tin mining activity promoting dense settlement despite surrounding relief

Answer

Niger Delta matches with abundant petroleum resources and coastal commerce; Sahel Zone matches with arid climate restricting agriculture; Jos Plateau matches with temperate climate and historical tin mining.
Each region correctly aligns with its dominant density driver: the Niger Delta is densely populated due to economic opportunities in the oil sector and coast; the Sahel is sparsely populated due to harsh arid climate; the Jos Plateau is densely populated due to favorable cool weather and mining history.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary economic and physical geographic characteristics of the Niger Delta region.
Recognize that oil exploration and coastal trade create dense settlement opportunities.
Economic activities associated with crude oil draw large populations despite swampy terrain.
2
Analyze the climatic conditions of the Sahel Zone.
Identify aridity and limited water availability as physical constraints.
Low rainfall and desertification limit crop yields, resulting in sparse population density.
3
Evaluate the environmental and economic factors of the Jos Plateau.
Match the highland altitude and mineral history to human settlement patterns.
Favorable cool climate and historic economic pull from mining encourage high population density.

Key Concept

Physical and socio-economic factors influencing regional population density
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Topics

Population Distribution and Density Factors

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