Theory question 101
Population(a) Outline any four factors that led to the high population density in Japan (b) State three problems of the high population density in Japan (c) How are these problems being solved?
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(a) Small area of habitable lowland (most of Japan is mountainous) so people crowd onto coastal plains; high industrial development offering jobs (Tokyo-Yokohama, Osaka-Kobe); intensive rice farming supporting many people; fishing; good transport and trade; historic high birth rate.
(b) Shortage of land and housing; congestion and pollution in cities; high cost of living; shortage of farmland and food; pressure on amenities.
(c) Land reclamation from the sea; high-rise buildings; family planning and later marriage; importing food; efficient mass transit; new towns and decentralising industry; pollution control laws.
Japan is crowded mainly because its lowlands are small.