With reference to population density, consider the following statements: 1. It is defined as the ratio between the number of people to the size of land. 2. It is usually measured in persons per square meter. 3. It helps to understand the limited capacity of land to support people living on it. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation Population density is a key demographic metric used to quantify the concentration of individuals within a specific geographic area. - Statement 1 is correct: Population density is defined as the ratio between the number of people and the size of the land area they occupy. It is mathematically expressed as: Density of Population = Total Population / Total Land Area. - Statement 2 is incorrect: In standard demographic and geographical studies, population density is measured in persons per square kilometer (sq. km). Measuring density in persons per square meter is not standard practice as the unit is too small for regional or national population analysis. - Statement 3 is correct: By calculating the number of people per unit of land, population density helps to understand the pressure exerted by the human population on land resources. It provides a basic indication of the limited capacity of land to support the people living on it, often referred to as the man-land ratio. Key Takeaway: Population density is the ratio of people to land area, typically expressed as persons per square kilometer, serving as an indicator of population pressure on land resources.

NCERT Class 12 Geography — Chapter 1: The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth

mcqeasy

With reference to population density, consider the following statements:

It is defined as the ratio between the number of people to the size of land.
It is usually measured in persons per square meter.
It helps to understand the limited capacity of land to support people living on it.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 2 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Population density is a key demographic metric used to quantify the concentration of individuals within a specific geographic area.

Statement 1 is correct: Population density is defined as the ratio between the number of people and the size of the land area they occupy. It is mathematically expressed as:
Density of Population = Total Population / Total Land Area.
Statement 2 is incorrect: In standard demographic and geographical studies, population density is measured in persons per square kilometer (sq. km). Measuring density in persons per square meter is not standard practice as the unit is too small for regional or national population analysis.
Statement 3 is correct: By calculating the number of people per unit of land, population density helps to understand the pressure exerted by the human population on land resources. It provides a basic indication of the limited capacity of land to support the people living on it, often referred to as the man-land ratio.

Key Takeaway: Population density is the ratio of people to land area, typically expressed as persons per square kilometer, serving as an indicator of population pressure on land resources.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth

Which of the following best explains the high population density in the Katanga-Zambia belt of Africa?

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With reference to the Demographic Transition Theory, which one of the following characterizes the population trend in the Third Stage?

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With reference to world population trends, consider the following statements: 1. Human population increased only two times in the past 500 years. 2. In the twentieth century itself, the population has increased four times. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Who stated that "the number of people would increase faster than the food supply"?

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Consider the following pairs of Demographic Transition Stages and their characteristics: 1. Stage I : High Fertility, High Mortality 2. Stage II : Low Fertility, High Mortality 3. Stage III : Low Fertility, Low Mortality Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Population density is a key demographic metric used to quantify the concentration of individuals within a specific geographic area.

Statement 1 is correct: Population density is defined as the ratio between the number of people and the size of the land area they occupy. It is mathematically expressed as:
Density of Population = Total Population / Total Land Area.
Statement 2 is incorrect: In standard demographic and geographical studies, population density is measured in persons per square kilometer (sq. km). Measuring density in persons per square meter is not standard practice as the unit is too small for regional or national population analysis.
Statement 3 is correct: By calculating the number of people per unit of land, population density helps to understand the pressure exerted by the human population on land resources. It provides a basic indication of the limited capacity of land to support the people living on it, often referred to as the man-land ratio.

Key Takeaway: Population density is the ratio of people to land area, typically expressed as persons per square kilometer, serving as an indicator of population pressure on land resources.