IV. Population Density & Distribution

Keywords for this Topic:

  • Population density: number of people per unit of area (typically per kilometer square)

  • Sparsely populated: an area with low population density

  • Densely populated: an area with high population density

Factors influencing

sparsely = driven away by factors

densely = attracted by factors

I. Physical Factors

Sparse Population:

  1. Harsh areas; mountains or uneven relief

  2. Extreme/harsh climates and bad weather

  3. High risk of flooding

  4. Infertile soil

  5. Locations with frequent natural disasters

  6. No water supplies

Dense Population:

  1. Flat relief

  2. Favourable climates and good weather

  3. Availability of natural resources for industry and manufacturing

  4. Fertile land for crops

  5. No or few natural disasters

  6. Good water supplie i.e. a river

II. Economic Factors

Sparse Population:

  1. No economic opportunities

  2. No infrastructure

  3. No transport routes

  4. Bad communication

Dense Population:

  1. Many job opportunities

  2. Good infrastructure

  3. Many transport routes to travel easily

  4. Good communication

III. Social Factors

Sparse Population:

  1. High crime rates

  2. No Cultural and religious beliefs

Dense Population:

  1. Low crime rates

  2. Cultural and religious beliefs of having big family

IV. Political Factors

Sparse Population:

  1. Government corruption

  2. Poor public services such as healthcare and education

  3. Civil war

  4. Low birth rate and high death rate

Dense Population:

  1. Reliable and stable government

  2. Good public services

  3. No threats or wars

  4. High birth rate and low death rate