Population density

Several people living together in an area define a geographical area's density. In this article, we discuss population density in detail.

What is a population?

The concept of population means a number of the same species living together at a location. Population may not only mean human population, it could mean animal population as well. Various species live together in so many locations across the world. In context to humans, the density of population depends on geographical area. 

How many people can fit into a location?

What is the lifestyle of those people?

Lifestyle is one factor that decides the population to fit into a location—the population density changes between times. Factors like migration, urbanisation and growth are responsible for the regular change in population density globally.

HOW IS POPULATION DENSITY DIVIDED GLOBALLY?

The world’s population is divided into towns, cities, states, countries and continents. The pattern followed by a group of people decides the density. For example, 2000 people can fit in 10 miles while 2000 people need 20 miles to live. So the government decides on the area and allocates the necessary resources and all aspects important for growing lives.

Majorly, the weather, habitat and ecosystem decide the population of an area. Hilly areas, deserts and heavy snowfall areas have less population than big cities. The government policies are a huge factor, whether their promises are being fulfilled or not. The support of the government acts as the backbone for strong population stability.

The density keeps changing because of migration and gradual shift towards the urban area from rural areas. The sole reason for migration is better opportunities and alternatives. The base of population density is spreading roots. It needs modification in the process of division.

HOW IS POPULATION DENSITY CALCULATED?

The population density is calculated using a formula by the government of a country. The population density is measured by the United Nations statistics division and monitored every ten years. The measurement is important for the government to provide every individual with the right amount of resources.

The basic strategy of calculating population density starts with a smaller portion of land. If one wants an accurate analysis of the population density of Indian states, they should start with smaller areas. Most accurate results are clouted from smaller geographical portions of land.

According to a scientist, the population density is defined as per person unit area. However, to ease the process of calculation, they use the formula, which is:

Dp=N/A 

For example, 5650 people living in 15 miles can be presented as = 5650/15 miles.

Use your mathematical knowledge, and make the unit as small as possible to find the average number. Make sure the number is rounded up, and there you have calculated the fraction of population density of an area.

Just like that, you can pick and find an area’s population density.

WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF CALCULATION OF POPULATION DENSITY?

The structure of calculating population density is simple, and small changes can make a huge development. The current method of calculation is divided into three methods. These are-

  • Agricultural
  • Psychological
  • Arithmetic

Briefly, all three methods are followed to determine each area’s natural resources, needs, and uniform division of resources to the population. Several surveys are performed and narrowed down to best results to avoid the hindrance in smooth functioning.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF RISING POPULATION DENSITY?

The global population is rising like fire. Earlier, it was called diversity and development of humankind and ecosystem, but now it has become hot talk worldwide. Overpopulation has raised new problems every day. Unfortunately, the solution cannot be achieved quickly.

Overpopulation has resulted in poverty, over utilisation of resources, exhaustion of non-renewable resources, water scarcity, air pollution, etc. The list is long, and the solution only cares about the environment. Millions of people don’t have a roof on their heads and cant afford  three meals a day. 

The situation is hand to mouth, and resources are less. Animals are worse affected by rising urbanisation and migration. The jump is widely seen in moving for a better life.

The phrase suits well here, survival of fittest in the race. Population control strategies are needed to implement for the better future of humanity and the whole ecosystem.

CONCLUSION

The article presents a detailed discussion on population density, meaning, population distribution, and the impact of a growing population. The population is widely divided worldwide; it varies on factors like weather, land area, water availability, government support, and scope of opportunity. The migration from rural to urban is affecting the lifestyle of both areas. 

The calculation of the population density of Indian states is defined as per square kilometres. Broadly, there are three methods used for calculation. Those are arithmetic, psychological and agricultural. The United Nations statistics division is accountable for calculating population density globally.

The increase in population is affecting the ecosystem and weather conditions. Global warming is a sign of imbalance in nature. The increasing world population needs a solution to control and embrace nature to have a better future.