Population Change

To be able to:Describe and explain growth and distribution of global population.

Explain the reasons for changing birth and death rates.Describe the characteristics of the demographic transition model.

Describe and explain the physical and human factors which affect the distribution and density of population in China and UK.

Explain what two countries do to cope with contrasting population problems

Describe population at a local scaleRecognise and interpret population pyramids

Explain the consequences of an ageing or youthful population.Explain the advantages and disadvantages of ageing populations

Global Population Change

The rate at which a population grows depends upon two factors: the number of births and the number of deaths. By subtracting the deaths from births we are able to calculate a country’s natural increase, the higher this number the faster the rate of growth. A negative result means the country’s population is shrinking.The rapid growth of the past 100 years has mainly resulted from a reduction in the death rate brought about by better hygiene, diet, water supply and medicine. Although the death rate has fallen, birth rates have remained high in many LICs due to social norms and economic needs – child often work for their parents and support them in old age. Population growth in Europe and other HICs has slowed considerably, and even gone into reverse, as a result of later marriage, women wanting careers and the increased cost of bringing up a child.

Describe the changes in population density in Europe between 1950 and2020.(3)

The Distribution of Global Population

a) Study Figure 4a (maps) in the Resource Booklet.It shows a map of world population density and a map of world relief.

(i) Which country named on Figure 4a is densely populated?(1)

(ii) Describe how relief can affect the population density of an area.Use only evidence from Figure 4a in your answer.(4)

(iii) Outline other factors that affect world population density.(3)

The number of live babies born in a year for every 1000 people in the total population.• Improvements in medical care for pregnant women have resulted in more births.• It is now costly to bring up children in the UK, increasingly people are having less children linked to this.• Women are being educated on how to control fertility.• Women are choosing careers delaying marriage and child birth.• Some religion do not believe in birth control.• Family planning programmes put in place to control countries birth rates.

The number of people who die in a year for every 1000 people in the total population.• Improvements in medical care has resulted in people living longer lives. Inoculation against diseases.• Inoculation have resulted in more people living lowering the infant mortality rate.• Death rate is affects by poverty and level of development.

The difference between the birth rate and death rate is known as NATURAL INCREASE. If the birth rate is higher than the death rate, then the total population will increase. If the death rate is higher than the birth rate, then the total population will decrease.

One reason for world population growth is falling death rates.

Give reasons why death rates have fallen.

(3)

Suggest reasons why some Low Income Countries (LICs) have a high birthrate.(4)

Some countries have a falling death rate.

Explain the medical and social reasons why death rates have fallen.(4)

Define the following terms:

(i) birth rate(2)

(ii) population density.(2)

Characteristics of the Demographic Transition Model

Physical and Human factors that affect the distribution and density of the population in

ChinaAlthough China has the world’s largest population at over 1.1 billion people there are large parts of the country which are sparsely populated. Most Chinese live in the eastern half of the country with the highest densities along the coast and major rivers. These regions have fertile soils, good natural resources and excellent transport. The densest regions are the major port cities of Hong Kong and Shanghai which have grown prosperous through international trade. The western half of China is only sparsely populated as much of it is arid (the Gobi Desert) or upland (the Tibetan Plateaux).

PhysicalReliefClimateWater supply

HumanEmploymentIndustryTransport

Physical and Human factors that affect the distribution and density of the population in the UK

China One Child PolicyWhat has China done to reduce its birth rate?

In 1979 China has a quarter of the worlds population, and its was growing at a rapid rate. Government realised something drastic had to be done to improve living standards and to ensure their economy could sustain the population therefore the one child policy was put in place.

IncentivesThese were rewards which were given to

those people who kept to the policy. Couples with only one child were given a ‘one- child certificate’ entitling them to a package of

benefits, including:• cash bonuses•Free education

• free medical care•Better child care

• preferential housing arrangements

DisincentivesThese are the punishments in which people may

have if they go against the policy.Couples were required to pledge that they would not have more children. If they had another child

they lost their privileges. They could be sacked from their jobs and also

receive heavy fines.People were monitored by the ‘granny

police’, These women made regular household visits to keep track of the status of each family

under their jurisdiction.

Unmarried young people were persuaded to postpone marriage, couples without children were

advised to wait their turn, women with unauthorised pregnancies were pressured to have

abortions, and those who already had children were urged to use contraception or become

sterilised.

Recent ChangesIn rural areas, a second child is generally

allowed after five years, but this usually only applies if its a girl.

A third child only allowed in ethnic minorities.

Singapore Population PolicyWhat has Singapore done to increase its birth rate?

Population policy has gone full circle in Singapore. During the 1970s and 80s the government encouraged parents to stop at two children, concerned that the small island nation would become over crowded. The policy was so successful that the population actually started to shrink! Faced with a shortage of workers for its expanding businesses. In 1987 the government introduced a ‘have three or more’ policy which included the following elements:

IncentivesParents receive a cash gift of up to $6000 per child.Government funding used to reduced the cost of nurseriesPreferential access to the best schools given to parents with large familiesExpanding families given spacious flats and outdoor space. Pregnant women are provided with counselling to discourage ‘abortions’ or sterilisation after birth.Maternity and paternity leave extended.Parents receive annual paid childcare leave.Parents with young children receive an extra payment from the government to help them pay for a maid ($95 per week). The second to fourth child can also have a savings account called a Children Development Account (CDA). This is where any savings made are matched by the government.

Characteristics of Population

Every 10 years the British government carries out a census. A census literally counts everyone and records their characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, religion, occupation etc...). When the results gathered are compared with those of the previous census demographers can get an image of how a population is changing. This information can be used by many groups, including local councils and national governments, to estimate future service needs, and in some cases to identify potential future problems.

Exam Tip – Although you may be asked to use location

specific knowledge to answer questions covering this section

of the specification; it is more likely that you will be asked to

describe a table, graph or map that is focused on a region we

have not studied in class.

Whenever you’re describing a resource try to complete the

following steps: (1) Identify the main trend; (2) Support with

evidence (data from the table etc...); and where possible, (3)

identify any exceptions.

WHAT IS A POPULATION PYRAMID?

Vertical Axis - Age Groups

Horizontal Axis – Percentage / number

Young dependents

Working population

Elderly dependents

Levels of Economic Growth Population Pyramids

The wide base indicates that there are large numbers of young dependents, the result of high levels of fertility. The top of the pyramid is narrow and indicates that only a small proportion of the population lives to old age.Characteristics of this country:Limited resources stretched to meet the needs of a high amount of dependents.Large number of jobs will need to be created.

There is still a pyramid shape but the steps do not decrease rapidly as LICS. This is because of improvements in medicine and diet leading to a lower death rate. The birth rate tends to be still high, however, death rates have decreased due to continued improvements in living conditions.

There tends to a lower birth rate linked to changes in lifestyle and choice.People live longer due to medical improvements.Large workforce due to emigrants.

Consequences of an:

Negative Positive

In the UK there are 3 pensioners for every 5 people of working age, which is causing a strain on the provision of state pensions. This causing a strain on those people who work for their taxes need to add to state pensions.

They can play an important role in the community by providing their time and expertise for free, such as working in charity shops.

Greater demand for healthcare and support services. At present hospitals are already short of bed space and specialist nursing for the elderly.

With more people having leisure time there is a growth in the number of jobs in the leisure industry.

\the amount of money spent on education might have to be cut to spend on the elderly.

Unemployment rates will be low as the percentage of elderly increases.

Negative Positive

The large numbers of children is causing many problems in LICs. Providing a enormous strain to provide education, healthcare and food. In many countries education is not free therefore many don’t get an education affecting the work they can do.

Children can look after their parents so less money needs to be spent on care for the elderly.

Diseases among children is widespread with common complaints like measles and diarrhoea, sometimes leading to death because of lack of doctors and nurses and necessary medical resources.

There is a large,active workforce.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an ageing population in JapanIntroduction• Their population is ageing at an alarming rate, causing concern over economic growth and living standards. • In 2006 20% of the population was over 65, which is high compared to the UK’s 16%, it is said to rise to 41% by 2055.• The percentage of economically active will fall to 51% in 2055.•Birth rate is low

DisadvantagesWorkforce – The labour force will of shrunk to 5.3 million by 2015.Not enough people for new recruits.Between 1990 and 2025 the proportion of pensioners to workers paying taxes, there will only 2 workers compared to 6 in 1990.Basically not enough people to work affecting the economy.They may have to draft in migrant workers.Pensions – The state pension system will be affected due to not enough money coming from workers. Therefore they have had to raise the retirement age and increase pension payments plus increase taxes.Healthcare – The number of people living in care homes is increasing causing pressure upon the economy for the expense to provide facilities.In 2006 they started incentives to try to get more people to try and live at home longer.

AdvantagesThe greying Yen – Japans pensioners are spending their money upon travelling, leisure activities and luxury items. This is adding to the economy.

Technology – The greying of Japan has led to a technological explosion, inspired the developments of gadgets to monitor the elderly family members.