Introduction:
    The term population refers to the number of people in a particular area (country, school building, county, city, etc.)  By comparing population data from year to year and from place to place, we can compare population growth.  Another way that we can measure population is through population density.  Population density equals the number of people per square mile (sometimes per square kilometer).  Using population density, we can compare tightly-packed regions (and spread-out regions) throughout the world.

This satellite view of the world at night gives you a glimpse of densely-populated areas with the help of electricity.

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html

Activity:

First, click here to go the population density map for the world.  Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.  http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap030305.html

1.  Which countries appear to be the most densely populated? 
2.  Do most people appear to live inland or along coastlines?  Explain why you think this occurs.

Then, look at the population density statistics by clicking here.  Answer the following question. http://www.wordiq.com/definition/List_of_countries_by_population_density

1.  Which country has the largest population density?  The lowest?  Click on the links to specific info on these countries.  Why do you think they have such a high/low population density?

Finally, examine the table on population statistics by clicking here.  Answer the following questions.  http://www.wordiq.com/definition/List_of_countries_by_population

1.  What are the top 3 countries with the highest population?
2.  According to the table, which country has the lowest population?
3.  Why is it that the countries with the highest population density are not also the same countries with the highest population?  Explain.


Extention:  What are the advantages and the disadvantages of having a high population or a high population density?  Go back to the country with the highest population density and the country with the highest population.  What do the statistics show about the government and the economy in these locations?  Do you think that it would be difficult to maintain order?  What effect might high population have upon the environment?  Write at least two paragraphs that respond to these questions.