Population Density — Revision notes

Population density

The number of people living in a set area, usually counted per square kilometre

Population distribution

The pattern of how people are spread out across a geographic area

Densely populated

A description for an area where a large number of people live packed closely together, such as in towns and cities

Sparsely populated

A description for an area where very few people are scattered across a large expanse, such as open countryside or deserts

Physical factors

Natural elements like climate, soil quality, water availability, and relief that influence where people live

Human factors

Man-made or societal influences such as job opportunities and transport networks that affect settlement patterns

What this lesson covers

How well do you know each one? Be honest: red means go back over it.

• Define population density and explain how it is measuredNot yetSort ofGot it
• Explain the difference between densely and sparsely populated areasNot yetSort ofGot it
• Explain the difference between population density and population distributionNot yetSort ofGot it
• Describe physical factors affecting where people live, including climate, soil and water supplyNot yetSort ofGot it
• Describe human factors affecting where people live, including jobs and transport linksNot yetSort ofGot it
• Explain why the size of a country does not determine its population densityNot yetSort ofGot it

Test yourself

Cover the answer, say it out loud, then check the full quiz on the lesson page.

• What does population density actually measure?
• Which of these is NOT a physical factor affecting population density?
• Roughly what share of Egypt's land holds almost its entire population?

Topic quiz

11 questions on this topic only — not mixed with anything else, one at a time.

Spelling challenge

Read the definition, then type the correct spelling of the term. Uses the same terms as above.