Theory question 107
West Africa and ECOWAS(a) Draw an outline map of West Africa, and on it, locate and name (outside your country): (i) two areas with a population density of over 500 persons per square kilometre (ii) two areas with a population density of less than 50 persons per square kilometre (iii) one important town in one of the areas shown in 7(a)(i) above. (b) Highlight three factors that favour the high population density in one of the areas shown on your map. (c) In what four ways is high population concentration a problem to the area described in 7(b) above?
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(a) Dense areas: coastal Ghana around Accra, Freetown peninsula, Dakar area, Abidjan area, Lomé, Cotonou; sparse areas: Sahel/Sahara of Mali, Niger and Mauritania (e.g. around Kayes, Bamako hinterland, northern Niger); town e.g. Accra or Dakar.
(b) Port and capital functions with jobs; industries; fertile soils and favourable climate; good transport and nodal location; social amenities (schools, hospitals); commercial activities; political stability.
(c) Overcrowding and slums; housing shortage and high rents; unemployment and crime; traffic congestion; pollution and poor sanitation; spread of diseases; pressure on water, power and other services; high cost of living.
Use a clear key for the two density classes.