Population density

Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, most of the time to humans. It is a key geographical term. In simple terms, population density refers to the number of people living in an area per kilometer square.

Overview

Population density is calculated by dividing the number of people by area. This measurement is often used in planning for services such as education and health, to ensure that sufficient resources are provided for the number of people in a specific area.

Factors affecting population density

There are a number of factors that can affect population density. These include the physical environment (climate, terrain), resources available, economic activities, political circumstances, and historical or cultural factors.

High and low population density

Areas of high population density include urban centers, while areas of low population density often include rural areas and wilderness. High population density can lead to increased competition for resources, increased cost of living, and environmental degradation. On the other hand, low population density can mean that resources are under-utilized, and can also lead to difficulties in providing services.

See also

• Demography
• Human geography
• Urbanization

References

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  Population density map per square kilometre
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  World population density 1994 with equator
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  Countries by population density
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  Living population density