5 - Population Flashcards
WHAT IS A CENSUS?
Census is a survey carried out every 10 years.
Each householder is asked to complete a detailed questionnaire about the number of people living in their home.
Householders answer other questions on their social, economic and cultural background.
FOUR OTHER METHODS OF POPULATION DATA COLLECTION:
- Civil registration of births, deaths and marriages provides an up-to-date count between censuses.
- Scottish household survey is a continuous survey based on a random sample of the population which is cheaper than carrying out a full census.
- Government also collects data on migration, for example visa applications.
- NHS records provide health data which allow local health boards to prioritise spending.
WHY IS LANGUAGE A DIFFICULTY WITH POPULATION DATA COLLECTION?
Countries with many official languages must translate their census form.
Countries must employ enumerators who can speak multiple languages e.g. Nigeria has six major languages and hundreds of unofficial languages
WHY DOES THE GEOGRAPHY OF A COUNTRY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO COLLECT POPULATION DATA?
Inaccessibility makes some areas very difficult to reach within the time frame eg Indonesia has many islands spread over a large area.
WHY IS DATA DIFFICULT TO COLLECT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES?
People are unable to complete forms due to low literacy levels.
data can quickly become out of date due to the high birth rate.
Cost of a census is high, developing countries may prioritise spending elsewhere.
Many people live in informal settlements such as shanty towns so have no address.
WHAT OTHER FACTORS MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO COLLECT POPULATION DATA?
Conflict can make it too dangerous for enumerators to enter.
Nomadic people may be missed or counted twice as they cross borders.
The size of some populations makes it very difficult to complete a census eg India
WHY IS POPULATION DATA COLLECTION DIFFICULT IN NIGERIA?
Nigeria has six major languages and hundreds of unofficial languages
WHY IS POPULATION DATA COLLECTION DIFFICULT IN INDONESIA?
Indonesia has many islands spread over a large area.
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN AGEING POPULATION
Low birth rates
Low death rates
Largest section of population being old dependents
Smaller economically active population
Smallest part of the population are young dependents
This will result in population decline.
WHAT IS THE POPULATION PYRAMID LIKE FOR AN AGEING POPULATION?
Bullet shape population pyramid with narrow base and tapered top.
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A YOUTHFUL POPULATION
High birth rates
High death rates
Largest section of population being young dependents between 0 – 16
Smaller economically active population
Very few old dependents
This will result in rapid population increase
WHAT IS THE POPULATION PYRAMID LIKE FOR A YOUTHFUL POPULATION?
Pyramid shape population pyramid with wide base and very narrow top.
YOUTHFUL POPULATION: CONSEQUENCES FOR THE GOVERNMENT
Significant investment in maternity hospitals, immunisation programmes and education will be needed. As well as building more schools and training more teachers.
Government policies may promote smaller families or encourage emigration to reduce over-population.
The health-care needs of the ageing population will also need to be met.
YOUTHFUL POPULATION: CONSEQUENCES TO JOBS/ECONOMY
There will be a much larger potential workforce which may attract multinational companies to the country.
An increase in the economically active could also increase unemployment.
YOUTHFUL POPULATION: CONSEQUENCES TO PEOPLE
The total population will put additional pressure on services and resources like education.
Housing in many developing countries is already overcrowded. This problem will likely continue with many people being forced to live in shanty towns.
YOUTHFUL POPULATION CASE STUDY
Gambia
AGEING POPULATION: CONSEQUENCES TO JOBS/ECONOMY
there may be lower unemployment rate in the future, however, decrease in economically active may lead to a skills gap.
there may be an increase in robots doing the jobs of people.
AGEING POPULATION: CONSEQUENCES TO PEOPLE
Citizens may be encouraged to invest in private healthcare and pensions.
Falling birth rate may lead to a decline in demand for services for children such as schools
There will be an increased strain on health services to meet the needs of the ageing population eg more hip replacements.
There may be more demands placed on adult children to care for elderly parents.
AGEING POPULATION: CONSEQUENCES FOR THE GOVERNMENT
Increase in elderly will lead to an increased cost of pensions to the government and increased tax contributions for the economically active population.
The retirement age may need to be increased and more services for older people provided such as care homes.
AGEING POPULATION CASE STUDY
Japan
WHAT FACTORS PUSH PEOPLE FROM SYRIA TO LEBANON?
Syria has been in a state of civil war that has left much of the country in ruins.
The government has been suspected of using chemical warfare against its own citizens.
There have been many human rights violations with people being tortured, kidnapped, raped and killed.
Houses, schools and healthcare facilities have been destroyed or forced to close due to bombing.
WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS ON SYRIA?
- Populaiton shrunk from 22 to 16 million
- Brain drain
- Lack of healthcare staff
- Fewer farm workers so…
- Fewer people paying tax”
FORCED MIGRATION CASE STUDY
Syria to Lebanon
WHAT FACTORS PULL PEOPLE TO LEBANON FROM SYRIA?
Lebanon is a much safer and neighbouring country without the risk of war.
Refugee camps and temporary home have been provided.
Temporary education and healthcare is also available.
Lebanon is culturally diverse with Syrian people already making up part of the population.
This provides support for those that have fled Syria.
