Examples of the causes of reduced fertility in low population densities are:[2] Population density is the number of people per unit of area, usually transcribed as "per square kilometer" or square mile, and which may include or exclude, for example, areas of water or glaciers.The world's population is around 8,000,000,000[3] and the Earth's total area (including land and water) is 510,000,000 km2 (200,000,000 sq mi).[1] The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has developed a suite of (open and free) data and tools named the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) to improve the science for policy support to the European Commission Directorate Generals and Services and as support to the United Nations system.However, some cities in the Middle East, such as Dubai, have been increasing in population and infrastructure growth at a fast pace.[8]Cities with high population densities are, by some, considered to be overpopulated, though this will depend on factors like quality of housing and infrastructure and access to resources.
Population density (people per square kilometre) map of the world in 1994. In relation to the equator it is seen that the vast majority of human population lives in the
Northern Hemisphere
, where 67% of Earth's land area is.
Population density (people per square kilometre) by country, 2006
World environments map provided for comparison with maps above
Mongolian Steppes.
Mongolia
is the least densely populated country in the world due to its harsh climate as a result of its geography.
[
9
]
Monaco
is currently the most densely populated nation in Europe.
This population
cartogram
of the European Union (2007–2012) uses areas and colors to represent population.