Population Density & Distribution
- Population density varies across the world
- The way in which the global population is spread across the world is the population distribution
- Population density is calculated by dividing the total population by the total area
- The total area can be on different scales - region, country, continent
Figure 1 - World Population Density
- Monaco has the highest population density in the world - 26,337 people per km2 (2022)
- Greenland has the lowest population density in the world - lower than 0.2 people per km2 (2022)
- In 2022 the world population density was approximately 59.27 people per km2
- Population is not evenly spread, and some areas are densely populated whilst others are sparsely populated
- The population density is affected by a range of factors both physical and human
Physical Factors | Human Factors |
Climate - population density tends to be lower in colder regions and tropical deserts. The extremes of temperature create a harsh living environment where growing crops and accessing water are difficult | Economic - more people live where there are more jobs. The number of jobs is often affected by the infrastructure (transport/communication) and capital (the money available) |
Water supply - settlements are usually located near a water supply for drinking, washing etc... If water is scarce or difficult to obtain, then population density tends to be lower | Political - government investment in an area can improve the infrastructure which increases industry/business and attracts more people |
Natural resources - these include minerals such as coal and oil. Areas with large amounts of natural resources tend to have higher population density. This depends on how easily the minerals can be obtained | Social - the better the housing, education and services the more people are likely to be attracted to an area, increasing the population density. The birth and death rates also affect the population density |
Relief - mountainous areas tend to have lower population density due to difficulties in building and growing crops. Population densities are higher where the land is flat or gently sloping | Cultural - in some cultures, larger families are valued highly or religious beliefs dictate larger families. This can increase the population density within a country |
Soil quality - population densities are highest where the soil fertility and quality is best. This makes it easier to grow crops |
Exam Tip
In the exam you may be asked to describe the distribution of population in a region, country or world. When describing distribution ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the general pattern?
- Does the pattern relate to anything else for example coastal areas, inland areas or water supply?
- Can you name examples of countries which have the highest density and examples of those with the lowest density?
Use map features to help with your description - place names, compass points, latitude and longitude.
Worked example
Figure 2.1 gives information about the population density of Bangladesh. Use fig 2.1 to answer the question below
Fig 2.1
Using fig 2.1, describe the distribution of areas with more than 1300 people per km2 in Bangladesh
[2]
- Answer:
- Any two of the following answers
- in the north [1]
- central [1]
- inland [1]