Factors Affecting Population Density & Distribution | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Population Density & Distribution

• Population density differs worldwide
• Population distribution defines how the global population is dispersed
• Calculating population density involves dividing total population by total area

• Monaco holds the title for the highest population density globally, with 26,337 individuals per square kilometer as of 2022.
• Conversely, Greenland boasts the lowest population density worldwide, with less than 0.2 individuals per square kilometer in 2022.
• The global population density averaged around 59.27 individuals per square kilometer in 2022.
• Population distribution varies significantly, with some regions densely populated while others remain sparsely populated.
• Various factors, both natural and human-induced, influence population density across different regions.

Case Study: Singapore

• Singapore exhibits a population density of 8,358 individuals per square kilometer.
• Although classified as a city-state, Singapore doesn't rank as the most densely populated city globally; rather, it stands as the third most densely populated country.

Causes of the High-Density Population

• Singapore spans merely 716 square kilometers, hosting its population within a confined space.
• Featuring a tropical climate, temperatures in Singapore range consistently between 25°C and 27°C.
• The terrain is predominantly habitable, flat, or gently sloping, with the highest elevation reaching just 165 meters above sea level.
• The region boasts exceptional water access and a well-developed infrastructure and communication network.
• Singapore maintains low crime rates, a stable government, and experiences high levels of immigration.
• It houses the world's busiest port in terms of shipping tonnage.

Effects of High Population Density

• Scarcity of housing leading to shortages.
• Escalation of rents and property prices due to high demand.
• Limited agricultural land use at only 1%, necessitating the importation of a majority of food supplies.
• Strain on infrastructure, notably public transport and essential services like schools.
• Rise in waste production, impacting environmental sustainability.
• Heightened levels of air and water pollution, posing health and environmental risks.

Case Study: Mongolia

• Mongolia covers an extensive area of 1,564,000 square kilometers.
• The population density stands at 2 individuals per square kilometer.

Causes of the low population density

• The region experiences severe weather conditions, with extremely cold winters reaching temperatures as low as -30°C.
• Elevated terrains, primarily ranging between 900 to 1500 meters above sea level, contribute to the challenging living conditions.
• Large expanses of desert and semi-desert landscapes hinder settlement and agricultural activities.
• With a brief growing season lasting about 90 days, agriculture is notably arduous due to the climate and terrain characteristics.
• Mongolia's landlocked status poses challenges for trade and economic development.
• Inadequate infrastructure and limited communication networks, with only about 20% of roads being paved, impede connectivity.
• A significant portion of the rural population relies on livestock herding as their primary source of livelihood, further constrained by shortages of grazing pastures resulting from harsh weather fluctuations.
• The population grapples with low birth rates, impacting demographic growth.

Impacts of Low Population Density

• Challenges in accessing essential services like healthcare and education, especially in rural regions.
• Limited access to markets and trade opportunities.
• Scarcity of economic ventures.
• Heightened migration from rural to urban areas.