Factors Affecting Population Density & Distribution (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography)

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? e.g. coastal areas, inland areas or water supply?

• Can you name examples of countries that 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.

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:

  • in the north [1]

  • central [1]

  • inland [1]

• 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 25^ºC and 27^ºC

• 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

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

• Mongolia has an area of 1,564,000 km^²

• The population density is 2 people per km^² 

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 and 1500 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

• 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

For a named country or area you have studied, explain why it is sparsely populated.

[7 marks]

Answer

• Examples of paragraphs that 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 -30 ºC, 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