Analyze the map below and answer the question that follows.

Question

A map of population density in South and Southeast Asia. Darker areas have higher population density. Higher population density areas are Indonesia, the coast of Vietnam, the northern border of India, the eastern coast of India, and Bangladesh. The higher populations are along coastlines.
Map by e2020

Using complete sentences, describe three ways in which the settlement patterns in South Asia resemble settlement patterns found in most regions around the world. Consider what resources people settle near and why they choose to live by these resources.

Answer 1

One similarity is that people tend to settle near coastlines, as they offer access to water for transportation, fishing, and trade. This is true in South Asia as well as many other regions around the world. Another similarity is that people tend to settle near fertile land, as agriculture is a key resource for survival. The northern border of India and the eastern coast of India, as well as parts of Bangladesh, all have higher population density due to the availability of fertile land for agriculture. Finally, people tend to settle near rivers, which provide water for drinking and irrigation, as well as transportation and trade opportunities. This is seen in parts of South Asia, such as the coast of Vietnam, where the Mekong River provides a key resource for settlements.