Dominica is a small Caribbean island located in the Lesser Antilles. It has an area of 751 square kilometers. In July of 2011, its population was estimated to be 73,126. Therefore the population density of Dominica works out to be roughly 97 per sq km. The CSEC/CXC syllabus requires that you study population distribution in one Caribbean territory. Dominica happens to be a good choice for this.
Population Distribution in Dominica
Population distribution refers to the way in which people are spread out over an area. Let us examine how the people who live in Dominica are spread out over the island. Click the link below and study the map of Dominica very closely and notice where the main settlements are located. Please note that most settlements are represented by orange dots with the exception of the capital which is represented by an orange star. Also, the darker green patches represent mountainous areas.
You may have noticed that the interior of Dominica is very mountainous. You may also have noticed that there are no major settlements in the mountainous areas. Therefore it is clear that relief or topography is a major factor affecting population distribution in Dominica. Since the interior of the island is very mountainous, most settlements are located in the flatter areas near the coast. It is easier to build roads, houses and other buildings and also to practice agriculture in flatter areas.
The greatest population densities exist in and around the capital Roseau as it is the main commercial, cultural and social centre in the country. In the north, high population densities exist in the area in and around Portsmouth which is the main commercial centre in the north of the island. On the west coast of the island the population is mostly concentrated in various nucleated settlements. On the east coast, the population is more dispersed. Click on the link below and examine Roseau, Portsmouth as well as other parts of Dominica.
References:
- Google maps
- www.indexmundi.com/dominica/demographics_profile.html
- www.worldatlas.com