Factors Affecting Population Density & Distribution (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
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
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
Examiner Tips and Tricks
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 Marks]
Answer
Any two of the following answers
in the north [1]
central [1]
inland [1]
Case Study: Singapore
Case Study
Singapore has a population density of 8,383 people per km2 (2024)
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 high-density population
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 25oC and 27oC
Almost all the land is habitable and either flat or gently sloping with the highest point at only 165m 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
Effects of high-density population
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
Case Study
Mongolia has an area of 1,564,000 km2
The population density is 2 people per km2
Causes of the low population density
The harsh climate in many areas with very cold winters which can reach -30°C
High altitudes mostly between 900 -1500m 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
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
Worked Example
For a named country or area you have studied, explain why it is sparsely populated.
[7 Marks]
Answer
Examples of paragraphs which could be included in an answer to achieve Level 3:
Mongolia has a harsh climate which means that it is a challenging environment. The winter temperatures can reach lows of -30oC which means it is difficult for people to survive. As a result of the climate, the growing season is only about 90 days long. This means that growing crops is challenging and restricts food supplies
A lack of infrastructure means that many places are inaccessible. In Mongolia, only about 20% of the roads are tarmac which makes access to employment and resources difficult. Many people are reliant on livestock herding for their income but severe winters and hot summers can lead to a lack of grazing which reduces the population in those areas
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