Tätbefolkning

Tätbefolkning refers to the portion of a population living in densely populated, urbanized areas. In Swedish statistical usage, it describes the people who reside in tätorter, which are localities defined as settlements with at least 200 inhabitants and where the distance between buildings is typically no more than about 200 meters.

Measurement and scope are centered on tätorter, not municipal borders. The urban population is the sum of residents within these localities, and the share of tätbefolkning indicates the level of urbanization within a country or region. Because the definition of a tätort is based on population size and building density, the concept can influence how urban growth and trends are reported.

Characteristics of tätbefolkning include higher population density, concentration of services and employment in fewer centers, and greater mobility and commuting opportunities. This concentration often drives infrastructure planning, housing development, and transportation networks, as well as environmental and social considerations linked to urban life.

Geographically, tätbefolkning varies within countries and across regions, reflecting patterns of industrialization, economic activity, and migration. In many countries, urban areas grow as people move from rural areas in search of work and services, while some regions experience slower growth or decline.

Limitations of the concept arise from its reliance on a specific national definition of what constitutes a tätort. Different countries use different thresholds for urban areas, so comparability may require careful methodological consideration. Overall, tätbefolkning is a key demographic measure for understanding the distribution of populations between urban and rural spaces.