Factors Affecting Human Population Dynamics (Cambridge (CIE) AS Environmental Management)
Revision Note
Author
Alistair MarjotExpertise
Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies
Factors Affecting Human Population Dynamics
Factors Influencing Population Density & Distribution
Population density is an average measurement of the number of people in a given area
It is normally measured as the average number of people per square kilometre (km²)
Population density varies greatly across the world
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 way in which the global population is spread across the world is known as the population distribution
Population density and distribution are influenced by a number of environmental and human factors
Environmental Factors Influencing Population Density & Distribution
Environmental Factors | Explanation and Examples |
|---|---|
Relief, landforms and accessibility | Mountainous areas tend to have lower population density due to difficulties in access, building and growing crops. Population densities are higher where the land is flat or gently sloping |
Weather and 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 |
Soil type and quality | Population densities are highest where the soil fertility and quality is best. This makes it easier to grow crops |
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 |
Natural resources and raw materials | 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 |
Human Factors Influencing Population Density & Distribution
Human Factors | Explanation and Examples |
|---|---|
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) |
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 |
Political | Government investment in an area can improve the infrastructure which increases industry/business and attracts more people. Human conflict can cause people to leave areas in large numbers, decreasing population density |
Historical | Historical factors such as past conflicts or previous environmental disasters (e.g. the Chernobyl nuclear disaster), or where natural resources were once found in abundance, can affect current population distribution and density |
Cultural | In some cultures, larger families are valued highly or religious beliefs dictate larger families. This can increase the population density within a country |
Case Study
Singapore
Singapore has a population density of 8 358 people per km²
As a city-state, it is not the most densely populated city in the world, but it is the third most densely populated country
Causes of the high population density include:
Singapore is only 716 km² which means the population is living in a limited amount of space
Singapore has a tropical climate with uniformly high temperatures between 25℃ and 27℃
Almost all the land is habitable and either flat or gently sloping with the highest point at only 165 m above sea level
Access to water supplies
Excellent infrastructure and communication
Low crime rates
Stable government
High immigration rates
World's busiest port in shipping tonnage
Impacts of high population density include:
Housing shortages
High rents and house prices
Only 1% of the land is used for agriculture which means most of the food is imported
Increased pressure on infrastructure such as public transport and services such as schools
Increased waste
Increased air and water pollution
Case Study
Mongolia
Mongolia has an area of 1 564 000 km²
The population density is 2 people per km²
Causes of the low population density include:
The harsh climate in many areas with very cold winters that can reach -30℃
High altitudes mostly between 900 - 1 500 m above sea level
Vast areas of desert and semi-desert
A short growing season of only about 90 days
The climate and relief make agriculture very difficult
Mongolia is a landlocked country which makes trade difficult
Poor infrastructure and communication, only about 20% of the few roads are tarmac
Many people in rural areas are reliant on livestock herding for their livelihood
Severe winters and hot summers can lead to a lack of pastures for grazing
Low birth rates
Impacts of low population density include:
Difficulties in accessing services such as healthcare and education, particularly in rural areas
Poor access to markets and trade
A lack of economic activities
Increased rural-urban migration
Calculating Population Density
Population density is calculated by dividing the total population by the total area
The total area can be on different scales e.g. region, country, continent
The formula for calculating population density is:
Dp = N ÷ A
Where:
Dp = population density
N = total population
A = land area covered by that population
Worked Example
20 000 people are living in an area of 64 km². What is the population density?
Step 1: use the formula
Dp = N ÷ A
Step 2: substitute in the known values
Dp = 20 000 ÷ 64
Dp = 312.5 people per km²
Exam Tip
Remember - always include the units in your answer. In this case, the units are people per km².
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