Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What does crude density refer to in demographic terms?

1. The total number of inhabitants in a country

2. The number of deaths per unit of land

3. The number of people per unit of land area

4. The average number of children per family

The correct answer is: The number of people per unit of land area

Crude density, also known as arithmetic population density, specifically refers to the number of people living per unit of land area. This measurement gives a broad understanding of how population is distributed across a region and allows for comparisons between different places, regardless of their land size. It is a straightforward calculation that divides the total population by the total land area, typically expressed in units like people per square kilometer or square mile. This concept helps geographers and demographers assess the potential for land use, resource distribution, and infrastructure development, making it a fundamental measure in human geography. Understanding crude density is critical for analyzing how densely populated certain areas are, which influences various socio-economic and environmental factors.