What political factor historically affected the population density of the Niger Delta?

The British colonial rule significantly impacted the population density of the Niger Delta by establishing economic systems and governance structures that shaped settlement patterns and demographic trends in the region. The colonial administration focused on extracting resources, such as palm oil, which attracted labor and led to an influx of people seeking employment opportunities. The infrastructure developed during this period, including roads and ports, facilitated trade and movement, further increasing population density.

Moreover, the imposition of colonial governance often disrupted traditional land ownership and social structures, forcing populations into urban centers or specific areas for work. This concentration of people in certain zones contributed to the heightened population density seen in the Niger Delta, as the region became a hub for trade and commerce under colonial rule.

The other options may have some impact on population density but are more indirectly related. The center of colonial trade refers to the economic aspect without the direct governance influence or social disruption that British colonial rule provided. Foundational government policies may follow colonial rule and be an outcome of its effects but do not address the historical context as immediately as colonial governance itself. Independence movements are often associated with struggles for freedom but do not directly influence population density in the context of historical developments in the Niger Delta.