Population Growth and Decline Flashcards
Population Growth
The increase in the number of individuals in a population over time. It is influenced by factors such as birth rates, death rates, and migration.
Natural Increase
Natural increase is the growth of a population due to the difference between birth rates and death rates. A positive natural increase contributes to population growth.
Fertility Rate
The average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime. It is a crucial factor in understanding population growth.
Mortality Rate
Mortality rate refers to the number of deaths per unit of the population within a given time period, usually per 1,000 people.
Life Expectancy
The average number of years a person can expect to live. It is influenced by factors such as healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions.
Population Decline
Population decline occurs when the number of deaths and emigrants exceeds the number of births and immigrants, leading to a decrease in population size.
Ageing Population
An ageing population has a higher proportion of elderly individuals compared to young ones. It can result from declining birth rates and increased life expectancy.
Dependency Ratio
The dependency ratio compares the economically dependent population (young and elderly) to the working-age population, providing insights into the economic challenges a society might face.
Factors Influencing Population Growth
Population growth is influenced by factors such as fertility rates, mortality rates, economic opportunities, healthcare, education, and government policies.
Overpopulation
Overpopulation occurs when the number of people exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment, leading to strain on resources and social systems.
Underpopulation
Underpopulation refers to a situation where the population is too small to fully exploit the available resources, potentially leading to economic challenges.
Migration and Population Growth
Migration can influence population growth by adding or reducing the number of individuals in a region. Immigration contributes to growth, while emigration may lead to decline.
Population Policies
Governments may implement population policies to manage growth or decline, including incentives for family planning, immigration policies, and measures to address ageing populations.
Demographic Transition Model and Population Growth
The demographic transition model explains the relationship between economic development and population growth, illustrating the shift from high birth and death rates to low rates
Sustainable Population Growth
Sustainable population growth balances the number of people with the available resources and environmental capacity, ensuring a high quality of life for all.
