Unit 1 content Flashcards
Identify three physical factors that affect the distribution of population at the global scale
climate, soil fertility, relief, access to water and availability of mineral resources.
identify two human factors that affect the distribution of population at the global scale
mineral resources, ease of communication and level of development.
state the meaning of the following acronyms: CPE, NIC, LIC, HIC
Centrally planned economies
newly industrializing countries
low income countries
high income countries
describe the main patterns of migration in China
Between 1990 and 1995, the pattern of migration was quite varied. The largest flows were to the south-east and east, but there were also flows to the west. However, by 2000–2005, the sources
of migrants were more concentrated (largely from the eastern side of the country) and the destinations were very much concentrated on the south and east coastal regions.
Briefly explain two physical reasons for the distribution of population in China
Much of the land is too high/steep and too dry to support much agriculture or people.
name the political system in South Africa that was responsible for the redistribution of the population
the Apartheid
identify the main areas of high population density in South Africa
Gauteng/Mpumalanga, Durban/KwaZulu-Natal, and Cape Town/Eastern Cape.
explain two contrasting reasons for the distribution of population in South Africa
Physical factors such as the amount of rainfall and distribution of mountains affect populations density, as does the distribution of mineral resources and the apartheid/separatist policies of the South African government.
state the proportion of population in China that live on the most densely populated 0.5% of the land
In China 11 per cent of the population live on the most densely populated 0.5 per cent of the land.
state the proportion of population in China that live on the least densely populated 50% of the land
Less than 4% of the population of China live on the least densely populated 50% of the area.
describe the main changes shown by the DTM
The main changes shown by the demographic transition model are those from high birth rates and death rates to low birth rates and death rates. Death rates tend to fall earlier than birth rates, allowing the population size to increase.
Towards the end of the transition, death rates increase as the population ages.
outline the main characteristics of Ireland’s DTM
Ireland’s demographic transition model (after the 1840s’ potato famine) was characterized by rising death rates and falling birth rates (due to the emigration of young people, and the resulting ageing population).
define the term “natural increase”
Natural increase is the increase in population as a result of birth rates being higher than death rates
how is doubling time calculated?
Doubling time is calculated by dividing 70 (years) by the rate of natural increase (per cent), and is expressed in years.
describe the main pattern of the total fertility rate (TFR) at the global scale
The highest rates of fertility (that is, over five children per woman) are largely found in Sub- Saharan Africa. There are a few exceptions
found in the Middle east and West Asia and the Philippines. The lowest fertility rates (fewer than two children per woman) are largely found in high income and middle income countries such as Canada and the USA, Russia, China, the UK, most of Europe, Australia and Brazil.
describe the main pattern of life expectancy at the global scale
The highest life expectancies are found in HICs, such as Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, and north-west Europe.
Most other areas, such as the Americas, Eastern Europe, MENA and most of Asia have life expectancies of over 70 years.
The lowest life expectancies (less than 70 years) are found in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. There are a few exceptions in South America and central Asia. The very lowest life expectancy (less than 50 years) are found in central north Africa.
distinguish between the dependency ratio and the ageing ratio
The dependency ratio is the number of young and elderly in relation to the adult working population. In contrast, the ageing ratio is the number of 65+ year olds in relation to the number of 20–64 year olds.
suggest reasons for the growth of megacities
The main reasons for the growth of megacities
is migration (workers in seek of better paid jobs) and the age-structure of the population. Having a youthful population structure leads to an increase in the birth rate and a decrease in the death rate.
Employment opportunities and investment by companies and the government encourages people to move to megacities.
outline three different types of forced migration
Different types of forced migration include conflict-induced displacement (for example, war in Syria); development-induced displacement (for example, the Three Gorges Dam), and disaster- induced displacement (for example, eruption of Soufriere volcano, Montserrat).
briefly explain the impacts of forced migration
The impact of forced migration may include the increase is internally displaced people or refugees; people living in poverty or forced to depend on aid for survival; a strain on health, education
and public utilities; reduced access to water and sanitation; spread of disease.
explain the term “older dependency ratio”
The older dependency ratio refers to the balance between the number of over 65 year olds, and the working population that support them.
describe Japan’s population structure
Japan has an ageing population. Over 25% of the population is over 65 years old, and the percentage of young people is less than 15%, and falling rapidly. The proportion of very old (over 75 years) is increasing, and is set to become the dominant cohort by 2050. The shape of the population pyramid tells us that Japan has a low birth rate and a low death rate.
distinguish between pro-natalist policies and anti-natalist policies
Pro-natalist policies encourage people to have children (for example, increased child allowance, provision of maternity and paternity care) whereas anti-natalist policies try to reduce the number of children that people have (for example, China’s historic one child policy).
briefly describe the impact of China’s one-child policy
China’s one-child policy is said to have reduced the birth rate and fertility rate in China. It prevented over 400 million births from taking place. However, it has also led to a gender imbalance in the country, infanticide and discrimination against girls and women. It has also led to a shrinking labour force.
