Population Density

A large area can reduce the density effect of high population. Exam tip: keep total number and number per area separate.

With same density a larger area gives higher total population. Exam tip: multiply density by area to get population.

(24000 \div 60 = 400) so the density will be 400 persons per square kilometre. Exam tip: simplify zeros before division.

Average density can hide internal regional differences. Exam tip: check local variation along with average.

Population density means the number of people living per unit area, usually per square kilometre. Therefore, looking only at total population may wrongly make a large-area region appear more densely populated, even though its area may also be very large. Option B describes the correct method because area must be considered. Exam tip: compare density by dividing total population by area.

(750 \times 20 = 15000) so the population will be 15000. Exam tip: multiply density by area to find population.

(18000 \div 300 = 60) so the area will be 60 square kilometres. Exam tip: divide population by density to find area.

High population density can provide more workers, consumers and markets, which may support employment and economic activity. However, if housing, water, transport, health care and education are insufficient, pressure on these services increases. Therefore, option D presents both the benefit and the challenge in a balanced way. Options A and B are one-sided because of words such as “always”. Exam tip: in population questions, consider the effect on resources and public services.

In sparse population distance can make service delivery costly and difficult. Exam tip: write challenges of low density too.

Population density tells us how many people occupy a given area, so it can suggest pressure on land and public services. However, it does not by itself show whether water, food, energy, housing, jobs, or other resources are sufficient. A high-density place may have strong infrastructure and good supplies, while a low-density place may still face scarcity because resources are limited or difficult to reach. Density must therefore be interpreted with other information.

Option B is correct because it separates the pressure indicated by density from the actual condition of resources. Option A is too absolute: density never fully describes resource quality. Option C is false because low density does not prevent a resource crisis. Option D is also false because high-density areas often need careful planning for services and resource use. Good policy examines both population patterns and resource availability.

A district’s average density is calculated using the total population and total area of the whole district. Therefore, a small urban settlement may be very densely populated while less densely populated parts of the district keep the district average at a medium level. Option B is incorrect because an average does not show the actual density of every local area. Exam tip: in density questions, always note the scale of the data—settlement, city, or district.

Without legend the correct meaning of colours is unclear. Exam tip: check the legend first while reading maps.

Water scarcity is physical and lack of transport is human. Exam tip: identify combined causes.

If same population spreads over larger area people per square kilometre decrease. Exam tip: remember the inverse relation between area and density.

More population in the same area increases density. Exam tip: understand numerator and denominator of density.

If area is same and density doubles then population also doubles. Exam tip: note the condition of same area.

High population density means many people live within a relatively small area. This can increase the possibility of crowding, traffic, pressure on housing, water, sanitation and other services. However, density by itself does not decide whether people will have a good or poor quality of life. Effective planning, sufficient housing, transport, public services, technology and building standards can allow a dense area to function well. The indicator must therefore be interpreted with other conditions.

Option A is correct because it gives a cautious and balanced relationship: high density may raise the chance of crowding, but planning and housing quality also matter. Option B is too absolute because high density does not always mean the worst life. Option C is also absolute and ignores problems that can occur in sparsely populated areas, such as isolation or weak services. Option D is false because density and settlement patterns are clearly related. Thus A is the most accurate choice.

Population density shows how many people live in a given area. Densely populated areas may face greater pressure on water supply, housing, schools, transport and health services, so governments use density data to prioritise resources and public facilities. Changing a river’s flow or determining a mountain’s height is not a use of population density. Exam tip: link population density with demand for public services and resource planning.

Density is not the only measure of administrative or strategic importance. Exam tip: remember the limit of density.

Economic opportunities and services concentrate people in metropolises. Exam tip: connect local density with urbanisation.