Title: 
Headings: 

Content: Factors Affecting Human Settlement
Factors Affecting Human Settlement
Physical Factors
One of the most basic factors affecting settlement patterns is the physical geography of the land. Climate is key, because if a place is too dry, too cold or too hot, it’s more difficult for large numbers of people to settle there, especially if they make their living from farming. The land itself is important too because some types of soil are much better for agriculture than others, or they support different types of crops. Though modern transportation allows people to settle farther from where their food is farmed, places with wet, mild climates are still more densely populated than places that are very dry or very cold. Natural Resources
Forest-wood to build homes and provide heat
Oil/Coal/Natural Gas-to provide heat/cooking
Climate
Mild Tempuratures/Some Rain Latitude
Most of the population on Earth lives in the mid latitudes. Bodies of Water
Lakes and Rivers-which provide drinking water and food, as well as transportation. Oceans and Seas-provide access to food and transportation. Landforms Mountains-difficult to build shelter and transportation difficult
Deserts-lacks water and resources and temperatures can be extreme
Human Factors Part 1
Settlement patterns have always been affected by the technology available to settlers, and especially by methods of transportation. In the past, when boats were the best way to transport goods and people, most major settlements were located next to the sea or rivers. In fact, the world’s biggest cities today are still located next to water, though transportation technology has allowed inland regions to be populated too.