Population Distribution & Structure is one of 9 topics in the Grade 10 Geography CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Population density is best described as:
The average number of people living within a given unit of area, such as per square kilometre
The exact location of every single person in a country
The total population of a country with no reference to area at all
A measure used only to describe rainfall patterns
Answer: The average number of people living within a given unit of area, such as per square kilometre — Population density measures how many people live, on average, within a given unit of area, calculated by dividing total population by total land area.
Easy
2. Which of the following is a physical factor that generally attracts higher population density?
Reliable availability of fresh water
Extremely steep, rugged mountainous terrain
A hot, waterless desert climate
Complete isolation from any transport routes
Answer: Reliable availability of fresh water — Reliable access to fresh water for drinking, sanitation and agriculture is a key physical factor attracting higher population density, unlike rugged terrain or extreme aridity, which tend to discourage dense settlement.
Medium
3. A district has a total population of 450 000 people and covers a total land area of 900 square kilometres. Calculate the population density of the district, in people per square kilometre.
Answer: 500 — Population density = total population / total area = 450 000 / 900 = 500 people per square kilometre.
