The primary reason why areas of South Asia with arid climates are not densely populated is due to the scarcity of water. Arid regions generally receive very little rainfall, resulting in limited access to water resources, which makes it incredibly difficult to sustain agriculture and support a large population. The lack of water also limits the availability of drinking water, making it challenging for human settlement. Additionally, the dry and arid climate is not suitable for most crops, further limiting the potential for human habitation and population growth. As a result, these areas remain sparsely populated, with the majority of human settlement concentrated in areas near rivers or other reliable water sources.
The reason that best explains why areas of South Asia with arid climates aren't densely populated is the scarcity of water. Arid climates, characterized by low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates, make it extremely challenging for vegetation to thrive and freshwater sources to exist in abundance. As a result, human settlements in these regions are often limited and have sparse populations. The lack of water availability poses significant obstacles for livelihoods, agricultural activities, and basic human needs such as drinking water and sanitation. Consequently, people tend to settle in areas where water resources are more plentiful, leading to lower population densities in arid regions of South Asia.
