4. Population density and distribution

• Population density


  The total population divided by the total area
• Population distribution


  The way in which the global population is spread across the world
• Population density varies across the world
• The total area can be on different scales - region, country, continent
• World Population Density


  • Figure 1
• 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
• Factors affecting population density

  • Physical factors
  • Human factors
• Physical factors


  • Climate
  • Water supply
  • Natural resources
  • Relief
  • Soil quality
• Human factors


  • Economic
  • Political
  • Social
  • Cultural
• Population densities are highest where the soil fertility and quality is best
• Population densities are higher where the land is flat or gently sloping
• Population density tends to be lower in colder regions and tropical deserts
• Settlements are usually located near a water supply for drinking, washing etc...
• Areas with large amounts of natural resources tend to have higher population density
• More people live where there are more jobs
• The better the housing, education and services the more people are likely to be attracted to an area, increasing the population density
• In some cultures, larger families are valued highly or religious beliefs dictate larger families, which can increase the population density within a country
• Government investment in an area can improve the infrastructure which increases industry/business and attracts more people