Tätbefolkade

Tätbefolkade is a Swedish adjective describing areas with a high population density, typically associated with cities and their surrounding urban zones. It is used to indicate where many people live in a relatively small land area, often leading to concentrated housing, services, and infrastructure.

Population density is the key measure behind the term. In practice, tätbefolkadeområden have a higher number of inhabitants per square kilometer compared with rural or sparsely populated regions. In Sweden, the more technical term tätort refers to a locality with at least 200 inhabitants and where buildings are situated no more than 200 meters apart, a criterion that underpins what is commonly described as densely populated.

Characteristics of tätbefolkade areas often include mixed-use development with apartment buildings, closer housing, and a concentration of amenities such as schools, shops, and public transit. Transportation systems tend to be more extensive and frequent, supporting commuting and service access. While high density can support efficient infrastructure and vibrant social life, it also poses challenges such as housing affordability, traffic congestion, noise, air quality concerns, and increased demand for public services and green spaces.

Tätbefolkade regions encompass major cities and metropolitan corridors, including historical urban cores and newer high-density districts. Urban planning aims to balance density with livability through sustainable transport, housing diversity, energy efficiency, and resilient infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of density are supported by adequate public amenities and environmental considerations.