Population Growth | Economics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Factors that Affect Population Growth

• Population refers to all the people living in a specific country.
• The population growth rate indicates the percentage change in a country's population over time.
• Several factors influence population growth:
  • The annual birth rate in a country impacts population growth.
  • The annual death rate also plays a crucial role in determining population growth.
  • Net migration, which involves both immigration and emigration, affects population growth rates.
  • A higher birth rate and a lower death rate contribute to population increase.
  • More immigration than emigration leads to a higher population growth rate.
• Different countries experience varying rates of population growth:
  • Less economically developed countries like Niger, Mali, and Zambia typically have the highest population growth rates.
  • More economically developed countries generally exhibit lower population growth rates.
  • Some more economically developed countries, such as Italy and Japan, are facing a decline in population due to higher death rates compared to birth rates.

Reasons For Different Rates of Population Growth

Population change can be attributed to two primary factors:

• Migration: This involves the movement of people from one place to another, impacting the population size of both regions. For example, individuals relocating from rural areas to urban centers can significantly alter population demographics.
• Natural population change: This refers to the difference between birth rates and death rates within a population. For instance, regions with high birth rates and low death rates tend to experience rapid population growth.

Natural Causes of Population Change

• Natural change in population is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate.
• The death rate has decreased due to:
  • The agricultural revolution, which increased yields and promoted healthier, varied diets.
  • Advancements in medicine and medical care.
  • Improvements in technology and transportation, leading to a wealthier population with increased life expectancy.
  • Enhancements in housing and sanitation.
• LEDCs experience high birth rates primarily because of:
  • Lack of access to family planning and contraception.
  • Women surviving childbirth and the need to care for aging parents and support the family.
  • Cultural norms encouraging larger families, which change slowly over time.
  • Religious beliefs influencing family size.
• MEDCs have seen a significant drop in birth rates due to:
  • Increased availability of family planning and contraception.
  • Shifting social norms such as delayed family formation, having fewer children, or choosing to remain single.
  • Rising costs associated with raising children and funding higher education.