2.1 Population Flashcards
Methods of data collection
Census is a survey that gathers data on age, sex and occupation etc.
Households can also be asked on their social, economic and cultural background
This data collection method is carried out once every 10 years
Once these results are collected, they are analysed by the government
Civil Registration registers births, marriages and deaths
This data is updated and changes are monitored to record the vital population data of citizens
Problems of data collection
Low literacy rate means people can’t complete it or may make mistakes increasing inaccuracy
Countries with several languages have to translate the forms and employ people who can speak several languages which is expensive
Harsh terrain and poor infrastructure makes it difficult for the surveys to be distributed
War and conflict makes it unsafe to go to parts of the country to hand out surveys
Hard to keep track of people’s addresses in large countries which results in people not being given a survey
People living in shanty towns might have illegal housing and don’t have permanent addresses
Poorer countries struggle with the major economic cost involved and may prioritise money spending on housing development
Internal political rivalries may not given valid data which leads to inaccurate results
Illegal immigrants may not complete a survey as there is risk of deportation
Sheer size of country would be difficult for people to hand out surveys for everyone
Consequences of population structure- developed country
More old people will increase cost of pensions for the government and increase tax for the economically active
In-migration might be encouraged which could lead to tension between different ethnic groups
Age of retirement may need to be increased and there will need to be more services such as care homes
Unemployment rate in the future will be lower as there is a reduction in competition for jobs due to less working-age individuals
Decrease in birth rates could lead to less services for children such as schools
Increase in costs for Health Services to treat the larger ageing population as more doctors will be needed
Higher demand for public transport like buses as more elders won’t be able to drive
Fewer people working will result in the countries’ Gross National Income decreasing
Consequences of population structure- developing country
In rural areas, pressure on food supplies due to developing population increases risk of malnutrition and puts a strain on agricultural systems
In urban areas, pressure on housing due to developing population may lead to expansion of illegal housing
More schools will need to be built as well as demand for teachers will increase
Government will need to invest in more hospitals for midwives due to rapid increase in birth rates
As there is more mothers of childbearing ages, the population of young dependants will continue to rise
Larger potential workforce could bring multinational companies to the country to create job opportunities
There will be high competition for jobs as economically active population is increasing, leading to many people without a job
Government may need to invest in family planning to control the number of children that families want
