Even Distribution of the World’s Population: Implications and Realities

Imagine if the world's nearly 8 billion inhabitants were spread out evenly across the Earth's land surface. How many people would there be in a single square mile?

The Current Situation

As of 2023, the estimated global population is around 8 billion people. The Earth's total land surface area is approximately 196.9 million square miles. If these billions of people were to be distributed evenly across the Earth, we can calculate the number of people per square mile using a simple formula:

Calculation of Population Density

Let's break down the calculation: Total population: 8,000,000,000 people Total land surface area: 196,900,000 square miles

Population per square mile 8,000,000,000 people / 196,900,000 square miles ≈ 40.6 people per square mile

Therefore, in an even distribution, there would be approximately 40.6 people per square mile on average. This is a dramatically lower number than the current global density, which suggests a world with vast, open spaces and much more arable land for agriculture.

Implications of an Evenly Distributed Population

If all humans were to be evenly distributed across the Earth, some fascinating changes would occur:

Soil Fertility and Agricultural Potential

With 40.6 people per square mile, the soil across the globe would be less disturbed by human activity. This could lead to a significant increase in soil fertility, potentially supporting more robust agricultural practices. The dead bodies in such a scenario would also contribute to enriching the soil, further enhancing agricultural productivity.

Urban and Rural Vistas

With fewer people per square mile, cities and urban areas would be significantly less crowded. The population pressure would ease, making many of today's densely populated areas appear more spacious. This could lead to a shift in urban planning, as well as a reduction in the strain on infrastructure.

Economic and Social Ramifications

The evenly distributed population would also impact economic and social structures. Proximity to resources and services would be more balanced, potentially leading to more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. However, it would also mean a larger proportion of the population would need to adapt to living in areas that are not typically suited to large populations.

Please Note

It's important to note that the Earth's surface is not evenly distributed in terms of land use. For instance, polar regions and Antarctica are largely uninhabitable due to harsh conditions. Additionally, dense urban areas and highly cultivated farmland would still exist, but the overall density would be significantly lower.

Conclusion

The even distribution of the world's population, with approximately 40.6 people per square mile, presents a fascinating alternative to the current state of affairs. It would reshape the global landscape and offer numerous benefits, particularly in terms of soil fertility and agricultural potential. However, such a scenario would also require significant adaptation and planning to address the realities of uneven land use and the challenges posed by remote and inhospitable regions.