This metric calculates the number of people per unit area of arable land. It provides a more accurate understanding of population pressure on agricultural resources than simple population density. For example, while Egypt has a relatively low population density overall, a substantial portion of its landmass is desert. Its physiological density, calculated based on the limited area of fertile land along the Nile River, reveals a significantly higher strain on its agricultural resources.
Understanding this concept is crucial in human geography as it highlights the relationship between population distribution and resource availability. It helps analyze the carrying capacity of a region and potential vulnerabilities related to food security. Historically, regions with high figures of this type have often experienced greater pressure on resources, potentially leading to conflict, migration, or innovation in agricultural practices.