Temperate climates occur in the middle latitudes, which extend between the tropical latitudes and the polar regions, or between about 40 and 60 degrees north of the equator and also between about 40 and 60 degrees south of the equator. These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout the year and more distinct seasonal changes than the tropical regions, where such variations are typically small.
The vast majority of the world's human population lives in temperate climates, due to the lack of extreme temperatures and their suitability for agriculture. And most of this temperate climate population is in the northern hemisphere, due to its much greater land area.