What is population density?

Population density is a measurement of the number of people in an area. It is an average number. Population density is calculated by dividing the number of people by the area. Population density is usually shown as the number of people per square kilometre. The map below is a choropleth (shading) map and illustrates population density. The darker the colour the greater the population density.

World population density map

The map above shows that the world population distribution is uneven. Some areas have a high population density while others have a low population density. Areas of high population density tend to be located between 20° and 60°N. This area contains a large land area and a relatively temperate climate.

Find out more about the factors that affect population density.