Population

Question 1

What is a Census?

Answer 1

A census is a survey that is carried out every 10 years

Question 2

What does a Census ask?

Answer 2

It is a detailed questionnaire asking about how many people live in the home and questions on the social, economic and cultural background of everyone in the home

Question 3

What are some methods of data collection?

Answer 3

1) Civil registration - Births, deaths and marriages provide an up to date count between censuses
2) Scottish household survey - A continuous survey based on a random sample of the population which is cheaper than carrying out a full census
3) Visa applications
4) NHS - Records provide health data which allow local health boards to prioritise spending

Question 4

What are some difficulties with data collection?

Answer 4

• Countries with many official languages must translate their census form
• Countries must employ enumerators who can speak multiple languages e.g. Nigeria has 6 official languages and hundreds of unofficial languages
• People are unable to complete forms due to lack of or low literacy levels
• The size of some populations makes it very difficult to complete a census e.g. India
• Inaccessibility makes some areas very difficult to reach within the time frame e.g. Indonesia has many islands spread over a large area
• Conflict can make it dangerous for enumerators to enter
• Data can quickly become out of date due to the high birth rate
• Cost of census is high, developing countries may prioritise spending elsewhere
• Many people live in informal settlements such as shanty towns meaning they have no address
• Nomadic people may be missed or counted multiple times as they cross borders

Question 5

Define a youthful population.

Answer 5

• High birth rates
• High death rates
• Largest section of population being young dependants between 0-16
• Smaller economically active population
• Very few old dependants
  This results in a rapid population increase

Question 6

Consequences of youthful population.

Answer 6

• 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
• There will be a much larger potential workforce which may attract multinational countries to the country
• An increase in the economically active could also increase unemployment
• Significant investment in maternity hospitals, immunisation programmes and education will be needed. As well as building more schools and training more teachers.
• Govt policies may promote smaller families to reduce over population
• The healthcare needs of the ageing population will also need to be met

Question 7

Define an ageing population.

Answer 7

• Low birth rate
• Low death rate
• Largest section of population being old dependants
• Smaller economically active
• Smallest part of the population are young dependants

Question 8

What are the consequences of an ageing population?

Answer 8

• Increase in elderly will lead to an
• Increased cost of pensions to the govt
• Retirement age may need to be increased and more services provided for older people provided such as care homes
• 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 e.g. more hip replacements
• There may be an increase in robots doing the jobs of the people

Question 9

Reasons for forced migration - Syria to Lebanon Push factors

Answer 9

• Syria has been in a state of civil war that has left much of the country in ruins
• The govt 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

Question 10

Reasons for forced migration - Syria to Lebanon Pull factors

Answer 10

• Lebanon is a much safer and neighbouring country without the risk of war
• Refugee camps and temporary homes have been provided
• Temporary education and healthcare is also available
• Lebanon is culturally diverse with Syrian people already making up part of the population