What concept measures the spatial distribution of populations?

Population density is the concept that measures the spatial distribution of populations. It is calculated by dividing the total population of a specific area by the size of that area, typically expressed in terms of people per square kilometer or per square mile. This metric allows geographers and demographers to understand how crowded a particular region is, which can provide insights into urban planning, resource allocation, and environmental sustainability.

Understanding population density helps identify patterns in how populations are spread out across different geographical areas. For example, densely populated areas may experience different social, economic, and environmental challenges compared to sparsely populated regions. This measurement of spatial distribution emphasizes not only the number of people living in an area but also the relationship between population size and land area, which can inform various policy decisions and development strategies.