Define population density. Enumerate the geographical factors affecting distribution of population.

The number of people living in a unit area of the earth’s surface is called population density and is expressed as number of persons per square km. The world has an average population density of 51 persons per square km. The highest population density is found in South Central Asia, followed by East and South East Asia. India has a population density of 382 persons per square km.

Distribution of population refers to the way in which humans are spread over the earth’s surface. Different geographic, economic and social factors influence population distribution on earth.

Geographical Factors

• Topography: Plains observe higher population distribution than mountains and plateaus as they are more suitable for economic activities. The most densely populated area of the world is the Ganges Plains.

• Climate: Moderate climates are preferred by people than extreme climates. Thus, deserts like Sahara and polar regions are less populated.

• Soil: Plains surrounding rivers the Ganges and Brahmaputra (India), Hwang-he, Chang Jiang (China) and the Nile (Egypt) have very fertile soil which increase economic activity and productivity. Thus, these areas have a high population density.

• Water: Survival of people is dependent of availability of fresh water sources and hence, more people live in the river valleys than in the deserts.

• Minerals: The potential of economic development increases with the presence of viable mineral deposits. Thus, such areas are highly populated.