World Geography 3200/026.2 Population Growth

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Overview6.2.1 Compare the terms absolute population growth and population growth rate. (k)

6.2.2 Examine trends in the size and growth rate of the population of a selected region. (a)

6.2.3 Given relevant data, classify a country according to the demographic transition model. (a)

6.2.4 Classify a population growth rate as slow-, moderate-, or fast-growing populations. (a)

6.2.5 Relate a country’s rate of population growth to its socio-economic conditions. (a)

6.2.6 Describe some of the problems that result from overpopulation. (k)

6.2.7 Defend one’s views about the efficacy of controlling population growth. (i)

6.2.1 Compare the terms absolute populationgrowth and population growth rate. (k)

Absolute Population Growth: The actual change in population from one time period to another time period.

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Example:Sweden Population 1981 = 8,300,000Sweden Population 1971 = 7,978,000

Absolute Population Change is:8,300,000 - 7,978,000 = +322,000

Population Growth Rate: Rate of change in the population. Measured as a ratio of the population change to the original population.

Population changex 100% = Growth Rate

Original Population

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Annual Growth Rate (AGR): A measure of how fast a population is changing in size.

AGR =

Population ChangeX 100%

÷ years for change

Original Population

AGR =Pop. Change

X 100% ÷ years for changeOriginal Pop.

Mexico’s population changed from 49 million to 72 million between the years 1971 & 1981

AGR =72 - 49 million

X 100% ÷ 10 years for change49 million

AGR = 4.7%

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AGR =Pop. Change

X 100% ÷ years for changeOriginal Pop.

Sweden’s population changed from 7.9 million to 8.3 million between the years 1971 & 1981

AGR =8.3 – 7.9 million

X 100% ÷ 10 years for change7.9 million

AGR = 0.5%

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6.2.2 Examine trends in the size and growth rate of the population of a selected region. (a)

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Region Population (1990)

Population (2010)

Change AGR

North America 230 000 000 528 700 000

South America 290 000 000 387 500 000

Europe 550 000 000 739 200 000

Asia 2 500 000 000 4 140 000 000

Africa 525 000 000 1 033 000 000

Australia 17 100 000 22 600 000

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There are four distinct stages in the demographic transition model

6.2.3 Given relevant data, classify a countryaccording to the demographic transition model. (a)

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The Demographic Transition Model is a series of line graphs that show how a population has changed over time

It uses changing birth rates and death rates to provide an indicator of economic development

The model uses the link between the development of a country and the impact that development has on both birth and death rates.The demographic transition model allows you to infer on a country’s development by looking at birth and death rates

Stage 1: Pre Modern

The population in stage 1 of the demographic transition model is stable

There is a high birth rate and a high death rate. This creates a balanced and stable population

Areas experiencing stage 1 have low education, low standard of living, low life expectancy

Areas experiencing stage 1 are not developed, and have few services

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Stage 2: Industrialization and UrbanizationStage 2 of the demographic transition model shows an increase in population

The major change is a decrease in the death rate

As medical care improves the life expectancy of the people increases

Education however does not yet improve so birth rates continue to stay high

This creates a population increase

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Stage 3: Mature IndustrialStage 3 of the demographic transition model shows a growing population, that is beginning to stabilize

The birth rates start to decrease to match the death rate which brings the population under control

This is what you would see in countries that have recently become developed nations (China)

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Stage 4: Post Industrial

Stage 4 of the demographic transition model shows a stable population.

Birth rates and death rates have stabilized at lower levels

The population structure is generally older

This can be found in highly developed nations like the United States, Sweden, United Kingdom and Canada

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Limitations of the model1. The model was developed after studying the experiences of countries in Western Europe and North America. Conditions might be different for less economically developed countries (LEDCs) in different parts of the world.2. The original model doesn't take into account the fact that some countries now have a declining population and a 5th stage. Most texts will now show this stage as it is relevant to an increasing number of more economically developed countries (MEDCs) in the 21st century.

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6.2.4 Classify a population growth rate asslow-, moderate-, or fast-growing populations.

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Fast growing:

AGR > 2%

Moderately growing:

AGR approx. = 2%

Slow growing:

AGR < 2%

Three categories of growth rates.

They distinguish among slow, fast and moderately growing populations.

6.2.5 Relate a country’s rate of populationgrowth to its socio-economic conditions. (a)

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Population Change Map p. 308

Human Development Index map.The HDI uses life expectancy, education and income indicesto determine the level of developmentin a region.

6.2.6 Describe some of the problems thatresult from overpopulation. (k)

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Fig. 18.9 p. 309

6.2.7 Defend one’s views about the efficacy ofcontrolling population growth. (i)

More money = better education = better jobs = financial restraints = How so?need for contraception = population control.

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Population Control

• Legislation by government could make it illegal to have more than a certain number of babies. Is that humane? How do we ensure the correct number. What is done with children over the limit?

• Some people have proposed that war and famine used to be our natural means of birth control. Is this an option?

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Population Control

• Increasing education of the masses is correlated with decreased births. Could we help to provide education in developing nations? Is that humane?

• Pension plans & RRSP's allow us to be secure into our old age and we do not have to worry about having children to take care of us. Is this something we could promote in under-developed nations?

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Population Control

• We know that education of women is correlated with decreased births. Is the education of women something we could promote?

• Could we provide less expensive birth control for developing nations? What about countries where the state religion forbids the use of contraceptives?

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Population Control

• Highly developed economies are associatedwith decreased birth rates.

Should we concentrate on supporting improvements to their economies as an ultimate route to controlling birth rates?

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