How does Japan's physical landscape influence population distribution?

• A. Mountainous terrain limits habitable land, leading to high population density in the coastal plains and river valleys where cities are located
• B. Wide flat plains across the country
• C. Desert-like climate in the interior
• D. Low-lying wetlands dominate settlement

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how geography shapes where people live. Japan’s landscape is largely mountainous, with only narrow strips of land along the coast and in river valleys suitable for dense settlement. This means most of the population concentrates in flat coastal plains and along river basins where cities, farms, and transport networks can develop efficiently. So population density is highest in those coastal plains and river valleys, not spread evenly across a rugged interior.

The option describing wide flat plains across the country doesn’t fit Japan’s reality, since the country’s flat land is limited and concentrated in coastal corridors rather than being a nationwide feature. There aren’t desert-like interiors, and wetlands don’t dominate settlement.