Unit 1 Changing Population

Question 1

Physical factors affecting population distribution

Answer 1

Geographic relief
Climate
Fertile land: Nile valley
Water availability
Raw materials
Natural threats

Question 2

Human factors affecting population distribution

Answer 2

Secondary industry
Accessibility
Political decisions and policies
Conflict

Question 3

Global patterns of LIC’s, MIC’s, and HIC’s

Answer 3

of people living in LICs dropped from 3B to 600M

LICs
Fewer countries than ever before are classified as LICs
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MICs
⅓ of global GDP produced in MICs
5B people live in MICs
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HICs
Income in HICs increased massively
Norway $26K to $103K per capita from 1994 to 2014

Question 4

What was the former common method of economic classification?

Answer 4

First (developed western) world
Second (state-controlled) world
Third (developing) world

Question 5

Detailed modern economic classifications.

Answer 5

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More economically developed countries (MEDC/HICs): UK and USA
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Newly industrializing countries (NICs): S.Korea and Taiwan. Rapid industrial, social and economic growth since the 1960s.
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Centrally planned economies (CPEs): N. Korea. Socialist under strict government control.
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Oil-rich countries: Saudi Arabia. Rich in terms of GNP per head but not distributed evenly. Without oil, countries would be LEDCs.
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Recently industrializing countries (RICs): Chile. Same path as NICs, though more recently.
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Less economically developed countries (LEDCs): Egypt. Lower stage of development and lower quality of life. Can be divided into MICs and LICs. Now known as LICs.
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Least developed countries (LDCs): Afghanistan. Very low standards of living and development indicators.

Question 6

Define voluntary internal migration.

Answer 6

The movement of people within a country by choice, rather than due to forced circumstances like conflict or natural disaster. People may migrate internally for various reasons, including economic opportunities, lifestyle changes, education, or family reunification.

Question 7

Define core-periphery patterns in population distribution.

Answer 7

An arrangement where the “core” regions (typically urban or economically developed areas) are densely populated and economically dominant, while the “periphery” regions (rural or less developed areas) are sparsely populated and less economically active.

Question 8

Describe megacity growth.

Answer 8

The rapid expansion of cities with populations exceeding 10 million, driven by high birth rates, rural-to-urban migration, and economic opportunities. As populations concentrate in megacities, they create both opportunities, like economic dynamism and innovation, and challenges, including housing shortages, pollution, and strained infrastructure.

Question 9

(Case study) Uneven population distribution in France

Question 10

(Case study) Uneven population distribution in Ethiopia

Question 11

Discuss the relative importance of different influences on where people live.

Answer 11

Climate and Geography: Favorable climates and fertile land attract populations for agriculture or quality of life; adverse conditions can deter settlement.
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Social and Cultural Ties: Proximity to family, cultural hubs, or communities with shared values can also guide settlement choices.
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Infrastructure and Services: Access to healthcare, education, and transportation makes certain areas more desirable.
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Political Stability and Safety: Regions with safety, governance, and stability tend to retain or attract residents compared to areas of conflict or instability.

Question 12

Discuss the interactions between places at varying scales.

Question 13

Define the following:
Natural Increase
Doubling time
Population momentum
Population Projection

Answer 13

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Calculated by taking the death rate away from the birthrate. Does not take migration into account. Population change does.
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The number of years needed for a population to double in size. (70 ÷ % rate of natural increase) in years.
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The tendency for a population to grow despite falling birth rate and fertility due to a high concentration of people in pre/childbearing years.
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Predictions about future population based on trends in fertility mortality, and migration.

Question 14

Explain Total fertility rate and the factors affecting it.

Answer 14

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1. TFR is the average number of births per thousand women of childbearing age Highest in poorest countries.
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2. Status of women assessed by Gender-related development index (GDI). Inequality in life expectancy, education and standard of living.
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3. Level of education and material ambition. Higher means fewer children.
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4. Location of residence, rural populations have more children.
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5. Religion can increase birthrates in MICs and LICs due to generally more pro-natalist approaches, but not followed in HICs.
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6. Maternal health. unhealthy mothers may experience a higher infant mortality rate and get pregnant more often.
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7. Economic prosperity favours increase while increasing costs lead to birth rate declines. More equitable distribution of wealth in a country also correlates to low rates.
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8. Need for children in agricultural societies or populations with high infant mortality rates.

Question 15

What is life expectancy?

Answer 15

The average number of years that a person can be expected to live from birth, assuming demographic factors remain unchanged.

Question 16

What are age/sex pyramids? What do different structures mean?

Answer 16

Showcase population structure and composition in ages and sexes

Wide base - high birth rate
Narrowing base - falling birth rate
Straight sides - low death rate
Concave slopes - high death rate
Bulges suggest immigration or in-migration
Events such as post war Baby boom are evident in a lot of countries pyramids.

Question 17

What is the dependency ratio?

Answer 17

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Measures the working population and the dependent population. It is worked out by taking the dependant population, diving it by the working population (15<x<65) and multiplying by 100.
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Many people stay in school after 15, and many work beyond the age of 64.
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In the developed world, there is a high proportion of elderly.
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In the developing, a high proportion of youth.

Question 18

What do triangular graphs show?

Answer 18

Data that can be divided into three parts. It can be used to show the age structure in percentages of young, adult and elderly, or soil structure variation in clay, sand and silt.

Question 19

What is the Demographic transition model? What stages make up the model?

Answer 19

A generalised attempt to establish linkage between a sequence of population changes that occur over time and the economic developments of a country.

Stage 1: High fluctuating pre-industrial agrarian society with no population growth.
Stage 2: Early expanding initial phase of industrial developments. Death rates fall and population grows.
Stage 3: Late expanding with later industrial development. Birth-rate begins to fall with contraception.
Stage 4: Low fluctuating post-industrial stage with little or no population growth.
Stage 5: Decline, ageing population starts dying out and population begins to fall.

Question 20

Describe population change in the UK and in Bangladesh.

Answer 20

UK

Phase 1 (Pre-1970s): From the 1700s to the 1970s, the UK’s population grew due to high birth rates and declining death rates. Advances in food supply, hygiene, and healthcare (e.g., vaccination, public health acts) reduced mortality, especially in infants. Significant events like the 1833 Factory Act, compulsory registration in 1874, and post-World War I improvements affected these rates. By the 1970s, birth rates fell, stabilizing population growth.
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Phase 2 (Post-1970s): Since the 1970s, growth slowed, driven mostly by immigration and increased longevity, especially among the elderly. Birth rates remained low, with smaller family sizes and an aging population. Advances in healthcare and shifts in social trends allowed more women to delay childbirth. Immigrant populations and later-life births also contributed to a broader population base, with more people over 65.
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Bangladesh
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Demographic Transition: Bangladesh is moving towards Stage 4 of the Demographic Transition Model (DTM), characterized by low birth and death rates.
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Fertility and Contraception: Fertility rates have dropped from 6.3 in 1975 to around 2.3 in recent years, aided by government initiatives promoting contraception. Contraceptive use among women rose from 8% in 1975 to over 60% by 2010.
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Life Expectancy and Health: Life expectancy increased significantly, from 59 years in 1990 to 69 in 2010, due to improved healthcare and agricultural practices from the Green Revolution.
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Female Empowerment: Increased education and career options for women have contributed to delayed childbirth and smaller family sizes.

Question 21

What consequences does megacity growth have for individuals and societies? (Mumbai case study)

Answer 21

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Megacities offer jobs, homes, improved living standards opportunities. For some, migration may result in unemployment or underemployment. Too many people coming in may mean the provision of services such as healthcare becomes inadequate. Growth is associated with congestion, expansion of the built area, air pollution, declining water quality.
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Mumbai
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Economic and Industrial Expansion: Mumbai has diversified into finance, technology, and entertainment. It accounts for 25% of India’s industrial output and 40% of foreign trade, hosting many transnational corporations and Bollywood.
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Inequality and Slums: Despite its wealth, Mumbai faces inequality, with 9 million people living in slums. Many, in Dharavi, lack basic services like sanitation, clean water, and healthcare, with over 4,000 daily cases of diseases like typhoid due to poor sewage systems.
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Employment and Informal Economy: Many residents in slum areas, do informal work, including recycling industries, pottery, and other crafts, providing livelihoods despite hazardous conditions.
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Infrastructure and Urbanization: Rapid suburban expansion towards Shivaji Park and Mahim has aimed to accommodate the growing population, though issues like water scarcity and limited housing persist.
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Social and Health Challenges: Limited healthcare access and underemployment continue to challenge low-income residents, and there is pressure to redevelop slum areas, risking displacement.
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Mumbai’s growth has fuelled economic prosperity but also led to increased social inequality, straining urban resources and affecting the quality of life for many low-income individuals.

Question 22

What is the difference between a refugee and an IDP? What other types of forced migrants are there?

Answer 22

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Refugee
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A person who has been forced to leave his or her country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster. They are protected under international law and cannot be expelled or returned to situations where their life and freedom are at risk.
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Internally displaced people (IDPs)
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People who have found shelter in another part of their country after being forced to flee their homes.
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Asylum seekers have left their country in search of protection, with undecided refugee status.
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Development displacees.
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Environmental and disaster displacees.
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Smuggled people moved illegally for profit.
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Trafficked people moved by deception or coercion for exploitation and profit.

Question 23

What are the causes of forced migration?

Answer 23

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Conflict-induced displacement
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Due to armed conflict such as civil war, violence or persecution on the basis of their nationality, race, religion, political opinion or social group.
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Land grabbing (Development)
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Result of large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams, motorways, airports, urban redevelopment, mining, deforestation, and even the creation of conservation schemes. On average, 10 million people a year are displaced due to dam developments.
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Climate change and disasters
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Natural disasters resulting in large numbers of displaced people include volcanoes, hurricanes, landslides, environmental change (global warming, desertification, land degradation) and human-induced disasters such as releases of radiation and chemicals.

Question 24

What impact has forced migration had on Syria? Case study.

Answer 24

The Syrian civil war and the rise of ISIS led to massive forced migration, displacing over 10 million Syrians. More than 4 million are internally displaced, while another 4.5 million fled to nearby countries like Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. Lebanon alone hosts around 1.4 million Syrian refugees, comprising about a quarter of its population. This influx has strained Lebanon’s resources, causing economic, environmental, and social challenges, including overcrowded schools and stretched healthcare systems. The Geneva Convention suggests a shared global responsibility for hosting refugees, but support remains limited.

Question 25

What impact has forced migration had on Bangladesh? Case study.

Answer 25

Many people migrate from rural areas to urban centres seeking safety and better opportunities. An estimated 1.5 million people were displaced due to the 2020 floods, leading to further overcrowding in Dhaka’s slums and increased competition for jobs and resources.
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Approximately 1 million Bangladeshis are estimated to be living in India, often as informal migrants fleeing disasters.
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Rural economies are in decline with reducing populations. Dhaka is one of the fastest growing megacities and overwhelmed. 35% of Dhaka’s population lives in informal settlements where quality of life is severely limited.

Question 26

Discuss global trends in family size and sex ratios.

Answer 26

Family size

Women give birth to fewer than 3 children on average reducing average family size.
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In past, two parents would typically share homes with six or more children.
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Less common to find older people living with children and grandkids.
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Divorce has become more socially acceptable.
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Improved right for lgbtqia+
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Sex ratios
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Typical excess of male births, 105:100 reflects chromosome variation in sex cells.
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Selective abortions allowing couples to discover gender.
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Female infanticide prioritising male babies.
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War can lower the ratio of men to women.

Question 27

Discuss the topic of ageing populations. What are the advantages and disadvantages? What are its causes?

Answer 27

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A demographic trend where the proportion of elderly individuals (typically those aged 65 and over) in a population increases significantly. This shift is often due to declining birth rates and improved life expectancy, resulting in a higher number of older adults relative to younger people.
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Ageing populations are expected to continue growing globally. Europe is the oldest continent where over 25% of Europeans will be at least 65 by 2040.
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Ageing populations can posses valuable skills and training, can care for grandchildren and build a grey economy for healthcare and travel.
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Disadvantages
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Dependency ratios and financial burden on populations with pension system.
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Increased healthcare costs.
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Workforce shortages.
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Loneliness and isolation.
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Slowdown in economic growth.

Question 28

Ageing populations (Japan Case Study)

Answer 28

Demographic Changes: The number of elderly people living alone rose from 0.8 million in 1975 to over 2.5 million in 2000. By 2015, only 13% of the population was young (under 15 years old), while 26% of the population is currently aged over 65.
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substantial burdens on:
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Pension funds and social welfare programs, particularly in healthcare.
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Nursing facilities, which are inadequate to meet demand.
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The labor force, leading to depletion and economic deterioration.
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The economy, contributing to a trade deficit and prompting Japanese industries to migrate abroad.
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Education, with falling demand for schools and teachers.
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Job creation and leisure facilities tailored for the elderly.
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The working population, which faces increased pressure to support dependents, leading to reduced demand for goods due to a smaller workforce.
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A need for in-migration to supplement the labor force.
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Government Options
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Raising taxes.
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Increasing the retirement age.
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Cutting back on social welfare programs.
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Promoting more home-based care for the elderly.
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Opening up migration policies.

Question 29

What are anti-natalist policies? (Chine case study)

Answer 29

Reduced the birth rate from 33 per 1,000 in 1970 to 17 per 1,000.
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Decreased population growth by as much as 300 million people and prevented approximately 400 million births.
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Skewed sex ratio of 118 males for every 100 females.
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Rural areas and some provinces had more flexible rules, allowing couples to have two children if the first was a girl or permitting two children regardless.
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Fertility rate in China has dropped to 1.6 births per woman, significantly below the replacement rate of 2.1.
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Government announced a relaxation of the one-child policy in November 2013, allowing couples to have a second child if either parent is an only child.
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Might lead to overpopulation or a baby boom that could strain public services. However, factors like high education and housing costs, alongside a lack of social security, have discouraged couples from having more children, suggesting the relaxation is unlikely to cause a significant population surge.

Question 30

What are pro-natalist policies? (Singapore case study)

Answer 30

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2022, Singapore’s TFR is 1.1 births per woman, significantly below 2.1. This has raised concerns about the future workforce and economy.
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Government initiatives
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Baby Bonus Scheme: Introduced in 2001, provides financial support to families with new-borns. Parents receive a cash gift of approximately USD 7,300 per child, with additional benefits for subsequent children.
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Maternity Leave: Mothers are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, which was extended from previous years to support working mothers.
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Childcare Subsidies: The government provides subsidies for childcare, which can cover up to 80% of fees for children under the age of 6, making it more affordable for parents to balance work and family life.
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Fathers are entitled to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave, which encourages shared parenting responsibilities.
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by 2030, approximately 25% of Singapore’s population will be aged 65 and above.
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As of 2022, approximately 38% of the total workforce in Singapore comprises foreign workers.

Question 31

What are gender equality policies? (Kerala case study)

Answer 31

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Kerala, located in southwest India, is a densely populated state known for its impressive achievements in health, literacy, and education, despite having a lower per capita income than the national average.
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Stable Governance: The autonomy and stability of the government have supported social reforms and improved the status of women.
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Literacy Rates: The overall literacy rate in Kerala increased from 90% in 1991 to 94% in 2011, with female literacy rising from 86% to 92% during the same period.
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TFR of 1.9
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Women’s role
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Tradition of female employment, girls receiving education equal to that of boys.
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Women have open access to universities and professions in healthcare and education.
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Kerala has highest female-to-male sex ratio in India at 1,084:1,000, compared to national average of 940.
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Women’s participation in the labor market is low at 18%, compared to 53% for men.
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Many women are engaged in low-paid jobs in farming, domestic services, and informal sectors
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While 18% of educated men are unemployed, the rate for educated women is much higher at 71%.
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Self-help groups support low-income households with training, advising, and micro-financing.
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Women’s decision-making power remains limited, with a male-dominated legal system and prevalent violence and harassment.

Question 32

What are anti-trafficking policies? Any examples?

Answer 32

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Human trafficking is often a transborder multinational phenomenon.
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USA’s Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA 2000) that encourages governments to stop it - Protection, prosecution, prevention
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Attempts to reduce trafficking include public awareness, birth registration and migration, allowing trade unions and protecting workers rights.
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Multi-governmental approach is needed, no single measure will stop it.
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90% of countries have now become parties to the UN 2003 Protocol to Prevent, Support and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.

Question 33

What populations are most at risk of trafficking?

Answer 33

LGBTI people and religious minorities that make up more runaway and homeless people.
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People with disabilities, particularly children on begging potential.
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Stateless people without citizenship, lack of legal status and identity documents.

Question 34

How does the criminal justice system respond to trafficking?
(Trafficking of Nigerian women to Europe case study)

Answer 34

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15% of 128 countries in a UN report did not report a single conviction. Number of punishments for traffickers was very limited. 0.3 convictions per 100,000 in most continents. Africa and M.E having 0.1.
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Many Nigerian women are trafficked to Western Europe for sexual exploitation, forming one of Europe’s most persistent trafficking routes and comprising over 10% of trafficked people in Western and Central Europe.
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Women, deceived into thinking they’ll find prosperity, sign contracts “blessed” in a juju ritual in Nigeria. Upon arrival, they’re forced into prostitution to repay debts as high as €40,000–€70,000, often under threats to family members. Controlled by “madams”—older Nigerian women previously trafficked—these women are also exploited by prostitution gangs involved in drug distribution. Corruption and blackmail are pervasive, per UN reports.

Question 35

What is the demographic dividend? What are some challenges and advantages of it? What relation does it hold to family planning?

Answer 35

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Refers to economic growth potential that arises when a country has a higher proportion of working-age people compared to dependents. This shift, often due to declining birth and death rates, allows resources to be invested in economic growth, health, and education rather than being used to support dependent populations. The benefits include increased productivity, a dynamic workforce, higher savings rates, and improved investments in child education, leading to better-skilled future generations. South Korea and Singapore leveraged their demographic dividends to drive rapid economic growth.
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Requires substantial investments in education, healthcare, and job creation. If employment opportunity and quality education are lacking, young population may face underemployment or poverty, which leading to instability. High-quality healthcare system is essential for a healthy workforce.
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Family planning is crucial in managing population growth and achieving a favourable age structure.
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Help reduce birth rates, enabling more resources per child and improving maternal health. This lower fertility rate shifts demographics towards a higher proportion of working-age individuals, setting the stage for the demographic dividend to occur.

Question 36

What role does Health, education and gender equality play in achieving family planning? And what should a country do when attempting to achieve a demographic dividend?

Answer 36

Healthy timing and spacing of births - lower risk
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Later first birth (due to family planning) time allowing women to be prepared for child-bearing
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Girls education delays marriage and first pregnancy
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Invest in child survival and health programmes
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Commit to voluntary family planning for transition
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Invest in reproductive health needs of married and unmarried youth
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Prioritising education especially secondary school for girls

Question 37

How has South Kore achieved demographic dividend?

Answer 37

Education was a key focus. From 1950s, South Korea prioritized universal schooling, transforming its educational strategy to equip citizens with skills for economic progress. By 1990, 97% of school-age children attended school. Economic plans also evolved. South Korea moved from an agrarian economy to a diversified one. Government launched a rural construction program that addressed unemployment and supported national infrastructure development.
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Together, these policies enabled South Korea to leverage its demographic dividend, fuelling sustained economic growth and stability.

Question 38

What happens post demographic dividend?

Answer 38

After the demographic dividend, the
dependency ratio begins to increase again.
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The population cohort that created the demographic dividend grows old and retires.
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With a disproportionate number of old people relying upon a smaller generation following behind them, the demographic dividend becomes a liability.
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This is currently seen most dramatically in Japan, with younger generations essentially abandoning many parts of the country.