THE IMPACT OF POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS ON THE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF NAJAF GOVERNORATE
Authors:   University of Kufa, College of Education for Girls, Iraq, Salih Dhifaf Riyadh , Al-Fatlawi Dr. Hussein Jaaz Nasser ,   Prof., University of Kufa, College of Education for Girls, Iraq, Al-Hasnawi Dr. Jawad Kadhim Obaid ,   Prof., University of Kufa, College of Education for Girls, Iraq
Published: January 2025

Human potential is one of the most relevant topics to development issues, as it represents economic wealth and is an essential tool for achieving spatial development. Man is the means and goal of development and a practical element in determining development trends because population and development are two-way and interconnected. If population growth is explained by natural increase, migration, and mortality variables, these same variables explain the development process. Development is described as a complex and multidimensional process centered on a spatial container that contains it to show its effects in the surrounding environment but at varying degrees and levels embodied in human settlements. Therefore, spatial development topics have increasingly received the attention of scientific and human specializations due to their significant role in developing cities or regions and bringing about fundamental changes in light of the problems that have been exacerbated due to the high population increase. In Najaf Governorate, there are human potentials capable of creating spatial development, influenced by the role of demographic variables in the governorate, such as high annual population growth rates, geographical distribution, and high population density, as well as knowing the degree of their population concentration. To form a clear picture of the population, one of the tools for the success of development projects is based on their capabilities and density in the place.

This research is designed to provide valuable insights into the relationship between population and spatial characteristics, using available official statistics and data. The role of these demographic variables in influencing the development process in Najaf Governorate from (2012 to 2022) is a key focus. The research relies on a descriptive-analytical approach to analyze the demographic variables of Najaf Governorate, serving as a fundamental scientific basis to present a clear picture and reveal the characteristics of the governorate's population and its impact on spatial development. The ultimate goal is to provide recommendations for effective spatial development based on demographic analysis.

The research's findings and proposals are of significant importance, as they provide valuable insights into the relationship between population and spatial development in Najaf Governorate. These findings and proposals have the potential to inform policy and practice in the region and beyond.

The disparity in population capabilities, resources, and functional characteristics of the districts of Najaf Governorate represents a natural state that can be exploited and invested in a way that leads to the development of the districts first and the governorate second, according to planning visions and based on each district's capabilities.

The study's most significant proposal was establishing a population database at the level of the governorate and its districts, whose data is updated periodically or annually, and redistributing the population of the governorate's district centers to achieve a balance in the distribution of population and services.