Factors Affecting Human Population Dynamics (Cambridge (CIE) AS Environmental Management)

Revision Note

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

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

World map showing population densities for different countries
World population density map (figures shown are the average number of people per square kilometre)
  • 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

1.4.1 Factors Affecting Population Density & Distribution | CIE IGCSE  Geography Revision Notes 2020 | Save My Exams
  • 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

1.4.1 Factors Affecting Population Density & Distribution | CIE IGCSE  Geography Revision Notes 2020 | Save My Exams
  • 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

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember - always include the units in your answer. In this case, the units are people per km².

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.