Factors Affecting Population Density & Distribution (Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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
Figure 1 - World Population Density
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 | Human 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 | 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) |
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 | Political - government investment in an area can improve the infrastructure which increases industry/business and attracts more people |
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 | 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 |
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 | Cultural - in some cultures, larger families are valued highly or religious beliefs dictate larger families. This can increase the population density within a country |
Soil quality - population densities are highest where the soil fertility and quality is best. This makes it easier to grow crops |
|
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
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
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
Population Density in Singapore
Causes of the 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 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
Case Study: Mongolia
Mongolia has an area of 1,564,000 km2
The population density is 2 people per km2
Population Density of Mongolia
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:
Uses named example
Comprehensive and accurate statements which explain why it is sparsely populated including some place specific reference. Answers are likely to refer to:
temperatures
precipitation
relief
soil fertility
lack of water sources/rivers
lack of resources
lack of economic growth
poor access
landlocked
low employment
Place specific reference is likely to consist of:
Named parts/settlements of the chosen country,
Population data,
Climatic data
Last updated:
You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week
Sign up now. It’s free!
Did this page help you?
