That's a startling stat that's hard to appreciate even after pondering maps of U.S. population density like this one: Subscribe for unlimited access to The Post You can cancel anytime.

Population: Estimate current as of July 1, 2016; Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division Land Area: Total land area as of 2010 Population Density By City Map ...

It's a simple idea, but visual explanations of this point can be striking. The 12 maps below feature different ways to illustrate how so many of the world's people live in so little of its space.