Natural and Land Resources

🌍  Natural and Land Resources

Natural Resources and Their Importance

Natural resources are the gifts of nature that fulfill the basic needs of all living beings and support human development. Land, water, and soil are some of the most essential natural resources available on Earth.

• These resources make life possible on Earth.

• They play a key role in the economic development of any country or region.

• Natural elements like rivers, forests, animals, and plants are integral parts of our environment.

However, these resources are not evenly distributed across the world. For example, some places are rich in water and fertile soil, while others are dry or mountainous with little vegetation.

Land Resources

➤ Extent and Usage

• Land covers about 30% of the Earth's total surface.

• Despite this, only 30% of the land is populated, while the remaining 70% is sparsely populated or uninhabited.

➤ Population Distribution

• 90% of the world’s population lives on this small portion of land.

• This uneven population distribution is due to:

  • Topography (flat vs. rugged land)

  • Climate (moderate vs. extreme weather)

  • Availability of resources (water, fertile soil, minerals)

  • Economic development (urban areas attract more people)

➤ Examples

• Densely populated: Ganga-Brahmaputra plains (flat and fertile, ideal for farming)

• Uninhabited: Antarctica (extreme climate and ice-covered surface)

➤ Reasons for Uneven Distribution

• Fertile plains and river valleys support agriculture and human settlement, hence are densely populated.

• Mountainous regions, deserts, low-lying flood-prone areas, and thick forests are sparsely populated or completely uninhabited.

Conclusion

Land, soil, and water are foundational to human survival and development. Their unequal distribution affects where people live and how they use the land. Understanding this helps us plan for sustainable development, balanced resource use, and better management of population and natural assets.