Population Geography

Population geography studies the spatial aspects of population — distribution, density, migration, and demographic change across places.

Scope

It covers population distribution and density, migration and mobility, the spatial demography of fertility and mortality, and population and environment.

Core questions

• How is population distributed across space?
• What drives migration and mobility?
• How do demographic processes vary geographically?
• How do population and environment interact spatially?

Key concepts

• Population distribution
• Migration
• Mobility transition
• Spatial demography
• Density
• Population and environment

Key theories

A case for population geography

Trewartha argued population should be the central focus of geography, founding the subfield.

The mobility transition

Zelinsky linked changing forms of human mobility to stages of modernization.

History

Established by Trewartha's call (1953) and developed through migration and mobility theory (Zelinsky), population geography links demography to spatial analysis.

Debates

Population geography versus demography

How far the spatial study of population is distinct from formal demography.

Key figures

• Glenn Trewartha
• Wilbur Zelinsky

Seminal works

• zelinsky-1971
• trewartha-1953

Frequently asked questions

What is the mobility transition?

Zelinsky's hypothesis that forms and rates of human mobility change in a regular sequence as societies modernize.