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Optimum population: The population size that produces the maximum output (GDP per person).
Key ideas:
Population structure means the age and gender distribution of the population.
Effects:
Effects:
Imbalance between males and females can:
Question and Answer Revision Notes
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1 5.3.1 Factors that Affect Population Growth
How would you define birth rate precisely in population economics?
Birth rate: The number of births per 1,000 people per year.
What is meant by death rate?
Death rate: The number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.
How is net migration defined?
Net migration: The difference between immigration and emigration.
What is immigration?
Immigration: The movement of people into a country.
What is emigration?
Emigration: The movement of people out of a country.
Which three core factors determine population growth?
Population growth depends on:
Birth rate
Death rate
Net migration
What key relationships show how population increases?
High birth rate ? population increases
Low death rate ? population increases
More immigration than emigration ? population increases
How do Less Economically Developed Countries typically differ in population trends?
High birth rates
Falling death rates
Rapid population growth
How do More Economically Developed Countries typically differ in population trends?
Low birth rates
Low death rates
Slow or negative population growth
Some countries (e.g. Japan, Italy) have declining populations
Why are birth rates high in some countries?
Lack of contraception
Cultural or religious beliefs encouraging large families
Children seen as economic assets (labour)
High infant mortality ? more births
Low education levels, especially for women
Why are birth rates low in some countries?
Access to contraception
Women in education and employment
Higher cost of raising children
Later marriages and fewer children
Urbanisation
What explains falling death rates?
Improved healthcare
Better sanitation and clean water
Improved nutrition
Advances in medicine
Why are death rates high in some countries?
Poor healthcare
Disease and malnutrition
War or conflict
Lack of clean water
Under what conditions does immigration increase?
Better job opportunities
Higher wages
Political stability
Better education and healthcare
Under what conditions does emigration increase?
Unemployment
Low wages
Conflict or war
Poor living conditions
2 5.3.2 Effects of Changes in Population Size & Structure
What is meant by optimum population?
Optimum population: The population size that produces the maximum output (GDP per person).
What two key ideas explain whether a population is above or below the optimum level?
If population is too small ? resources are underused
If population is too large ? resources are overstretched
What are the advantages of population growth?
Larger labour force
Increased production
Larger market for goods
Potential for economic growth
What are the disadvantages of population growth?
Pressure on resources such as food, water and housing
Overcrowding
Strain on healthcare and education
Pollution and environmental damage
What are the disadvantages of decreasing population?
Labour shortages
Reduced economic growth
Fewer taxpayers
Increased burden on the working population
What are the possible advantages of decreasing population?
Less pressure on resources
Higher wages due to labour shortage
What does population structure mean?
Population structure means the age and gender distribution of the population.
What characterises an ageing population in More Economically Developed Countries?
More elderly people
Fewer workers
What are the effects of an ageing population?
Higher healthcare costs
Increased pensions
Smaller workforce
Higher tax burden on workers
What characterises a youthful population in Less Economically Developed Countries?
Large proportion of young people
What are the effects of a youthful population?
Pressure on schools and healthcare
High dependency ratio
Future potential workforce
How can imbalance between males and females affect an economy?
Affect labour supply
Influence birth rates
Impact economic growth
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