This book introduces secondary students to population geography. Material from other disciplines is included because the study of population is multidisciplinary. It is presented in eleven chapters. The introduction considers definitions of concepts and aspects of population geography, explaining the emphasis on spatial patterns of population characteristics and processes. Chapter I presents the world population situation in historical perspective as well as current and future population trends. Chapter II discusses and analyzes reasons behind the spatial distribution of the world's population. Chapter III examines theories of population change, such as the Malthusian model, communist-socialist theory, demographic development, multiphasic response, and demographic development. Chapter IV describes conceptual difficulties, sources, and the quality and completeness of various types of population data. Chapters V and VI discuss patterns and trends of mortality and fertility. Chapter VII presents objectives and bases of population policy and discusses family planning programs. Chapters VIII and IX offer historical background, theory, patterns, and trends of migration, immigration, and urbanization in developing and developed countries. Chapter X discusses the relationship between population growth, resource depletion, and the environment. The final chapter examines current trends in food production, expanding world food supplies, and future possibilities relating to agriculture and food supply. Numerous charts and graphs illustrate the book. (CK)