Which country has the lowest population density in the world, making it the least densely populated independent nation?

Introduction / Context:
Population density is a key concept in human geography. It measures the number of people living per unit area, usually per square kilometre, and helps us compare how crowded or sparsely populated different countries are. Some nations are very densely populated, with many people living in small areas, while others have vast land areas and relatively few inhabitants. This question asks you to identify the independent country that has the lowest population density in the world, meaning it is the least densely populated nation.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question focuses on the least densely populated independent country in the world.
- The options list India, Japan, Mongolia, Netherlands, and Bangladesh.
- We assume that population density is calculated as population divided by land area and that only sovereign countries are considered, not territories.

Concept / Approach:
Mongolia is widely recognised as the least densely populated independent country in the world. It has a large land area with extensive steppes and deserts but a relatively small population. In contrast, India, Japan, Netherlands, and Bangladesh all have high or very high population densities. Bangladesh and the Netherlands are especially known for being among the most densely populated nations. Therefore, Mongolia is the correct answer when asked about the lowest population density among countries.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Mongolia has a vast territory and a small population, resulting in very few people per square kilometre. Step 2: Remember that countries like India, Japan, and Bangladesh have large populations relative to their size, making them densely populated rather than sparsely populated. Step 3: Note that the Netherlands is a small lowland country with a high population density and intensive land use. Step 4: Compare these characteristics and identify Mongolia as the country with the lowest density of people on its land area. Step 5: Select Mongolia as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider approximate numbers. Mongolia has a land area of over one million square kilometres but a population of only a few million, leading to a population density of just a few people per square kilometre. In contrast, Bangladesh has many hundreds of people per square kilometre, and the Netherlands also ranks among the most crowded nations. India and Japan have large populations and significant urbanisation, making their densities high as well. These comparisons confirm that Mongolia stands out as the least densely populated independent state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
India: This is incorrect because India is one of the most populous countries in the world and has a relatively high overall population density.
Japan: This is incorrect because Japan, though mountainous, has a large population concentrated in urban and coastal areas, leading to high density figures.
Netherlands: This is incorrect because it is one of the most densely populated countries, with intensive land use and many people in a small area.
Bangladesh: This is incorrect because Bangladesh has one of the highest population densities in the world, not the lowest.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse population density with total population and think that a large country like India must have low density simply because its area is large. Others may not realise how sparsely populated Mongolia really is compared with more familiar countries. To avoid confusion, always distinguish between total population and population per unit area and remember Mongolia as the classic example of a sparsely populated country in exam questions.

Final Answer:
The least densely populated independent country in the world is Mongolia.