Population density and distribution: past paper questions
Real questions on population density and distribution
The newest 20 of 33 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0976/22 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(i)[1]
Name the type of map used to show Mauritius’s population density. Tick one box. type of map tick (Y) choropleth flow-line isoline proportional symbol
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(ii)[3]
Using Figure 2.1, tick the three correct statements about Mauritius’s population density. tick (VV) statement about Mauritius’s population density The centre of the island is sparsely populated. The coastal area has the highest population density. The highest population density is found in the north. The north is more...
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(iii)[2]
(iii) The island of Mauritius has an area of 2040 square kilometres and a population of 1301978 people. Calculate the population density of Mauritius. Show your calculation in the box. population density .......... people square kilometre.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[2]
Suggest two human factors which may lead to a high population density.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(i)[1]
Name the type of graph shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(ii)[1]
Identify the type of information about population that is shown in Fig. 2.1. Tick (3) only one box. tick (3) population density population size population structure
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(iii)[1]
How many people per square kilometre lived in the Philippines in the year 2000? people per km 2
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[3]
Fig. 2.2 shows the population distribution in the Philippines. N 0 100 km Fig. 2.2 Key people per square kilometre (km 2 ) 401 and above 101–400 100 and below The following table has some statements about the Philippines’ population distribution. Using Fig. 2.2, complete Table 2.1. Tick (3) three correct statements. Ta...
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2c[2]
Fig. 2.3 (Insert) is a relief map of the Philippines. Using Figs. 2.2 and 2.3, describe the relationship between population distribution and relief in the Philippines.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(i)[1]
Using Fig. 1.1, identify which one of the following countries is most sparsely populated. Underline your answer. France Spain Tunisia
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(ii)[2]
Calculate the population density of Turkey. You should include your calculations in the box provided. per km 2
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(iii)[3]
Study Fig. 1.2 (Insert), a photograph of a mountainous area. Explain why mountainous areas, like the one shown in Fig. 1.2, have an uneven population distribution.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2024 · Q1b(i)[3]
Suggest reasons why many coastal lowland areas, like the one shown in Fig. 1.4, have a high population density.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2024 · Q1b(ii)[5]
Describe the problems experienced by people living in areas with a high population density.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2a(i)[1]
State the population density of Utrecht province, shown by U in Fig. 2.1. per km 2
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2a(ii)[3]
Describe the population distribution of The Netherlands shown in Fig. 2.1. Do not use statistics in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[3]
Fig. 2.2 is a simplified relief map of The Netherlands. 0 50 Key km more than 4 m below sea level 1 – 4 m below sea level North Sea 0 – 25 m above sea level N The Netherlands more than 25 m above sea level international boundary Germany Belgium Fig. 2.2 Describe the relationship between population density shown in Fig....
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2c[1]
Study the area with a population density of over 1000 per km 2 shown in Fig. 2.1. Suggest one reason for this high population density.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2021 · Q1a(i)[1]
What is meant by population density?
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2021 · Q1a(ii)[2]
State two reasons why the climate of the area shown in Fig. 1.1 may result in a low population density.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The question was asking what population density meant and not how it is calculated. This was generally answered well with many candidates knowing that it was the number of people in a square kilometre/in a certain area. The most common errors were either to write the formula by which it is calculated or to write ‘number of people in an area’ with no reference to the size of the area.
— Examiner report, October/November 2021, 0976/12 Q1(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Many candidates identified the lack of rainfall as a reason for the low population density. Fewer referred to the temperature being too high to survive in. Whilst many stated that it is hot, this was insufficient as hot temperatures alone are insufficient to prevent settlement. ‘Hot’ needed to be qualified with a word like ‘very’, extremely’ or ‘unbearably’. Another common error was reference to s...
— Examiner report, October/November 2021, 0976/12 Q1(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
The question discriminated well. The most common answers from well prepared candidates focused on steep relief, poor access and dense vegetation. There were many misconceptions about the river flooding and a lack of understanding shown by weaker candidates who suggested a lack of service provision.
— Examiner report, October/November 2021, 0976/12 Q1(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
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