Case study 1: Over-population in Bangladesh

Question 1

Population of Bangladesh

Answer 1

158 million

Question 2

Population density of Bangladesh

Answer 2

+1000 per km2

Question 3

How does religion affect the population in Bangladesh?

Answer 3

85% of pop. is muslim = strong religious beliefs = no contraception = high birth rate.

Question 4

What are the effects of over-population in Bangladesh? (economic)

Answer 4

• Far more people than resources, Agricultural floodplains of Ganges+Brahmaputra over-cultivated: 40% underemployed= $240 per capita annual income.

Question 5

What are the effects of over-population in Bangladesh? (Social, services)

Answer 5

• Lack of schools+hospitals (48% are literate; could lead to more underemployment)+(5% infant mortality).
• Dhaka (7million): traffic congestion+housing deficit.

Question 6

What are the effects of over-population in Bangladesh? (environmental)

Answer 6

• Deforestation for firewood: flood risk (less water absorption, roots don’t stick soil together). Infrastructure repair is a frequent drain in the economy.

Question 7

PSD of Bangladesh

Answer 7

Dhaka, capital city, 7 million residents, traffic+overcrowded housing.