Population density (DOC)

							Global Population Density – 2006 (people per squared kilometre)



                                                                                                                 Many of the countries
                                                                                                                    appear to have the
                                                                                                             majority of their population
                                                                                                              located around the coasts
                                                                                                              of their lands. This is most
                                                                                                                  likely because of two
                                                                                                                reasons. The first is that
                                                                                                             they are located near water
                                                                                                              sources, which is essential
                                                                                                              for survival. The second is
                                                                                                             that in the age of discovery
                                                                                                               the main means of travel
                                                                                                                 and trade supply was
                                                           through ships. Being closer to the sea would give easier access to ships. The
                                            st
                 Population distribution – 21 century      only exception to this is India which appears to be so over-crowded that the
                                                                          whole of its land mass is covered with people.

                                                           Another global trend is that the populations are distributed in clusters rather
                                                          than spread evenly around each country. This also may be because it is easier
                                                             for people to be near each other as they can buy food and other utensils
                                                               without having to cross the planet (Most people are also very social
                                                          creatures). There are many exceptions dotted all over each country except for
                                                            Australia which is largely inhospitable at its epicenter. These exceptions are
                                                               mainly due to faster transportation. Smaller communities dispersed
                                                          throughout countries can obtain supplies and travel relatively quickly to larger
                                                                      population clusters with the invention of cars and buses.