What is the meaning of density …

Population Density refers to the ratio between the number of people to the size of the land or the number of people inhabiting per unit of land.

Geographical factors influencing the distribution of population are:

1. Availability of water: It is the most important factor for life. So, people prefer to live in areas where fresh water is easily available. Water is used for drinking, bathing and cooking – and also for cattle, crops, industries and navigation. It is because of this that river valleys are among the most densely populated areas of the world for eg: The Ganga plains are densely populated.
2. Landforms: People prefer living on flat plains and gentle slopes because such areas are favourable for the production of crops and to build roads and industries. The mountainous and hilly areas hinder the development of transport network and hence initially do not favour agricultural and industrial development. So, these areas tend to be less populated. For eg: The Ganga plains are among the most densely populated areas of the world while the mountains zones in the Himalayas are scarcely populated.
3. Climate: An extreme climate such as very hot or cold deserts are uncomfortable for human habitation. Areas with a comfortable climate, where there is not much seasonal variation attract more people. Areas with very heavy rainfall or extreme and harsh climates have low population. For eg: All mediterranean regions are inhabited from early periods due to their pleasant climate.
4.  Soils: Fertile soils are important for agricultural and allied activities. Therefore, areas which have fertile loamy soils have more people living on them as these can support intensive agriculture. For eg: Indo-gangetic plain in India are the most fertile lands for agruculture.