O-LevelGeographyPopulation and settlement2217/22 · May/June 2024 · Q28 Marks

Fig. 2.1 shows the population density of provinces in The Netherlands, a country in Europe.

(a)(i)State the population density of Utrecht province, shown by U in Fig. 2.1. per km²[1]
(a)(ii)Describe the population distribution of The Netherlands shown in Fig. 2.1. Do not use statistics in your answer.[3]
(b)Fig. 2.2 is a simplified relief map of The Netherlands. Describe the relationship between population density shown in Fig. 2.1 and relief shown in Fig. 2.2.[3]
(c)Study the area with a population density of over 1000 per km² shown in Fig. 2.1. Suggest one reason for this high population density.[1]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) 900–1000 (per km²) Note: Need whole range not a single figure.
[3] (a)(ii) Dense(r) in west; Dense(r) on the coast/by North Sea/sparser inland; Dense(r) on west coast = 2; Dense(r) in centre; Sparse(r)/(second) least in south-west; Sparse(r) in north/north-east/north-north-east/(North Sea) islands; Moderate/medium/average density in the south/east/south-east; Uneven distribution. Note: For dense(r) allow high(er)/more dense/increase. For sparse(r) allow low(er)/less dense/decrease. Allow population for population density.
[3] (b) Negative/inverse relationship/as relief decreases population density increases/as relief increases population density decreases; Dense areas below S.L. /1->4 m /1>4m below S.L.; Sparse areas (generally) above S.L. /0–25 m/>25 m above S.L./areas above S. L., have low to moderate/medium/average population density; Some areas/anomaly below S.L. have a sparse population; South-west sparse but below S.L. /1–4 m below S.L.; Sparse areas in the north/north-east all above S.L. /0–25 m above S.L.; Moderate/medium/average populated areas are above S.L./0–25 m/ 0->25 m/>25 m above S.L.; No clear relationship in the east; Note: Allow lower for sparse and higher for dense. If the candidate refers to data, use the following table: Population Density: Dense/High (900->1000/>1000 per/sq.km), Moderate/Medium (200-399/200–899/400–899 per sq.km), Sparse/Low (0-<200/200–399/0–399 per sq.km). Note: Allow population for population density. Credit ranges of figures. Do not double credit e.g. using the same figures for sparse and moderate population.
[1] (c) Trade/exports/imports/access to shipping routes/providing harbours; Rich/fertile land/soils; Mineral wealth or named mineral (e.g. iron ore/coal); Moderate climate; More accessible/more roads and railways/transport by ship; Passenger/ferry ports/port development/hinterland for port; Fishing; Manufacturing_industry/oil refineries; Beaches/tourism; Water supply from rivers; Flat/low land for construction; Capital city.