#FactorsAffectingPopulationDensityAndDistribution

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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

  • 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

• 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

• Soil quality

  • Population densities are highest where the soil fertility and quality are best

  • This makes it easier to grow crops

Human factors

• 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) 

• Political

  • Government investment in an area can improve the infrastructure, which increases industry/business and attracts more people

• 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

• Cultural

  • In some cultures, larger families are valued highly or religious beliefs dictate larger families

  • This can increase the population density within a country