Factors Affecting Population Density & Distribution

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, case studies, and map figures for geography topic on population density and distribution.

Population Distribution

The way in which the global population is spread across the world.

Population Density

The measurement calculated by dividing the total population of an area by its total area.

Monaco Population Density

The country with the highest population density in the world, recorded at $26,337\,\text{people per km}^2$ in 2022.

Greenland Population Density

The location with the lowest population density in the world, recorded at lower than $0.2\,\text{people per km}^2$ in 2022.

World Population Density (2022)

The global average population density in 2022, which was approximately $59.27\,\text{people per km}^2$.

Physical Factors Affecting Population Density

Environmental characteristics including climate, water supply, natural resources, relief, and soil quality that influence where people live.

Human Factors Affecting Population Density

Societal influences including economic opportunities, political investment, social services (housing and education), and cultural beliefs that affect population density.

World Population Density Map

A global map illustrating how population density is distributed across various countries and continents.

Bangladesh Population Density Map

A map (Fig 2.1) showing population density distribution in Bangladesh, where areas exceeding $1300\,\text{people per km}^2$ are situated in the north, central, and inland regions.

Singapore Population Density Map

A map illustrating density by district in Singapore, categorising regions into under $5000$, $5000 - 7999.9$, and over $8000\,\text{persons per km}^2$.

Causes of High Population Density in Singapore

Factors including flat or gently sloping land, tropical temperatures between $25^\text{o}\text{C}$ and $27^\text{o}\text{C}$, excellent infrastructure, low crime rates, stable government, high immigration rates, and hosting the world's busiest shipping port.

Effects of High Population Density in Singapore

Consequences including housing shortages, high rents and house prices, increased pressure on public transport and schools, increased waste, and elevated air and water pollution.

Mongolia Population Density Map

A thematic map showing Mongolia's sparse population distribution, reflecting an overall density of $2\,\text{people per km}^2$ across $1,564,000\,\text{km}^2$.

Causes of Low Population Density in Mongolia

Factors including cold winter temperatures reaching $-30^\text{o}\text{C}$, high altitudes between $900\,\text{m}$ and $1500\,\text{m}$, a short growing season of about $90\,\text{days}$, landlocked status, and poor infrastructure with only about $20\%$ tarmac roads.

Impacts of Low Population Density in Mongolia

Effects including difficulties accessing services like healthcare and education in rural areas, poor access to markets and trade, lack of economic activities, and increased rural-urban migration.