Population Growth (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Economics)
Revision Note
Written by: Steve Vorster
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Factors that Affect Population Growth
Population refers to all of the inhabitants of a particular country
The population growth rate is the size of the change in the population of a country, expressed as a percentage
The following factors affect population growth
The annual birth rate
The annual death rate
The net migration
A higher birth rate and lower death rate would both increase the population
More immigration than emigration would increase the growth rate
All countries have different rates of population growth
Population growth rates are currently highest in less economically developed countries such as Niger, Mali and Zambia
Population growth rates are lowest in more economically developed countries
In some MEDCs such as Italy and Japan, the population is decreasing as the number of deaths is higher than the number of births
Examiner Tips and Tricks
MCQ will often check your understanding of the differences between these terms. Remember immigration and emigration are not the same. Immigration is the inward movement of people into a country. Emigration is the outward movement of people from a country.
Reasons For Different Rates of Population Growth
There are two broad causes of population change
Migration (explained above)
Natural population change (birth rates and death rates)
Natural causes of population change
Natural change in population is calculated by deducting the death rate from the birth rate
The following factors led to a decrease in the death rate
The agricultural revolution led to higher yields and healthier, more varied diets
Improvements to medicine and medical care
Improvements to technology and transport, leading to a wealthier population which increases life expectancy
Improved housing and sanitation
The birth rate has remained high in LEDCs due to
Lack of access to family planning and contraception
An increase in women surviving childbirth
Families continuing to have large numbers of children to look after their parents in old age and to help support the family
Culture of having larger families which takes many years to change
Religious reasons
The birth rate has fallen significantly in many MEDCs due to
Increased access to family planning and contraception
Changing social norms which include starting families later, having fewer children, or remaining single
Increased costs of child rearing and university education
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