Why can administrative cost increase when a large area has low population density?

Correct answer: Because greater distances and network costs are involved in reaching people

Correct answer: A — greater distances and network costs are involved in reaching people. Low density means that people are spread thinly over a large area, so settlements may be far apart. Administration still has to provide services such as schools, health care, roads, water supply, communication and emergency assistance. Officials, workers, vehicles, materials and information may need to travel longer distances, and a wider road or communication network may be required. These increase travel, maintenance and coordination costs. Option B is wrong because low density generally suggests dispersed settlement, not that everyone lives together. Option C is wrong because people still need public services. Option D is wrong because a large area can be measured even when it is sparsely populated. Low density may reduce crowding, but it can make access and service delivery more expensive. Memory cue: few people spread across much land means more distance per person served.