Final answer:
The population density of the island is calculated by dividing the population by the area, resulting in approximately 191 people per square mile.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the population density of an island, you divide the number of people by the area they live in. Given the island's area as 1.56x10^5 square miles and its population as 2.98x10^7, the population density can be found using a simple division:
Population Density = Population / Area
Population Density = 2.98x10^7 / 1.56x10^5
Population Density = 1.91x10^2 people per square mile.
approximately 191 people per square mile.
The method for calculating population density is universal, regardless of the location. It forms a part of basic geography and demographic studies. Overpopulated areas, like Java with more than 2,400 people per square mile, face challenges such as strain on resources and infrastructure, while sparsely populated regions might lack economic activity. Understanding and comparing these densities provide insights into the challenges and planning required for sustainable development of an area.