Population distribution refers to the pattern of where people or organisms live within a given area. It can be described in terms of density, dispersion, and spatial patterns.

• Density: Population density is the number of people or organisms per unit of land area. It is usually transcribed as "per square kilometer" or square mile, and may include or exclude areas of water or glaciers.

• Dispersion: Dispersion refers to how individuals in a population are distributed in space at a given time. There are three basic patterns of population dispersion: uniform dispersion, random dispersion, and clumped dispersion.

• Spatial patterns: Spatial patterns of population distribution may be clumped, uniform, or random. A clumped distribution shows a high population density in one area of the habitat, while uniform distribution has individuals relatively equally spaced across the habitat. Random distribution does not have a pattern to how individuals spread out in their habitat.

Population distribution is often shown on a map, and can be depicted using a dot map or choropleth map. It is also important to note that population distribution is influenced by environmental characteristics such as climate, topography, and resources.