Lesson 7, Topic 2
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# Population Density

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Population density is defined as the total number of inhabitants per unit area of land e.g The total number of people per square kilometre. It is the average number of people living in a given square kilometre.

Population Density

= $$\frac {Total \: Population}{Area \: of land}$$

An area with many people per square kilometre is said to have a high density.

### Economics Effects of High Density:

1. Congestion: Especially in the areas of traffic, housing, schools, etc.

2. Food Shortage: When the means of production is less than the population i.e population exceeds available land resources.

3. Heavy pressure on social/economic infrastructures like roads, electricity, hospitals, telecommunication, etc.

4. Employment: There will be too many job applicants competing for limited jobs.

5. Increase in crime rate.

6. Low Standard of Living: This is a result of the fact that per capita income will decrease and the resources that will be generated will also decrease.

7. Heavy pressure on accommodation will make renting houses high.

### Example:

Calculate the population density of Nigeria, having an estimated population of 216.7 million as of 2022 with a total area of 923, 768 sq km.

Solution:

Total population = 216.7 million
Total land area = 923, 768 sq km

$$\scriptsize Population\: Density = \normalsize \frac {Total \: Population}{Area \: of land} \\ = \normalsize \frac{216,700,000}{923,768}\\ = \scriptsize 234.6 \\ = \scriptsize 235 \: persons/km^2$$

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