Which of the following is mainly responsible for the denser population in the Katanga-Zambia belt of Africa?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Presence of copper
Option (1) Availability of water — Incorrect. Water draws people to river valleys, but it is not what made this mining belt crowded.
Option (2) Suitable climate — Incorrect. Climate is not what draws workers to Katanga and Zambia; mining jobs are.
Option (3) Fertile soils — Incorrect. The Katanga-Zambia belt is known for its mines, not its farms.
Option (4) Presence of copper — Correct. Areas with mineral deposits attract industries. Mining and industry create jobs, skilled and semi-skilled workers move in, and the area becomes densely populated. The Katanga-Zambia copper belt of Africa is the example of this economic factor.
NCERT (2025-26): “II. Economic Factors … (i) Minerals: Areas with mineral deposits attract industries. Mining and industrial activities generate employment. So, skilled and semi–skilled workers move to these areas and make them densely populated. Katanga Zambia copper belt in Africa is one such good example.…” |