1
Lab Two: Exploring Population Data
For this assignment, we will examine the entire globe to make comparisons in
population data. For Part 1, you will be using layers available in Google Earth. Please
take notes during the demonstration so you can complete the assignment on your own.
For Part 2, you will examine several population pyramids and make some projections
concerning the future of each country based on lecture material and the data that you
retrieve.
If you have any questions, please ask during class, email me, or set up a time to meet
with me to help you. I am free on Mondays and Wednesdays from about 11:15 am until
12:15 at the Salem KSU library.
Part I
•
•
Open up Google Earth and examine the Layers category to the left of your
screen.
Make sure the following are checked:
o Under Primary Database
▪ Borders and Labels
▪ Places
o Under Global Awareness
▪ UNDP: Millennium Development Goals
We will be looking at the Human Development Index (HDI) and comparing several
countries around the world. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite
statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which is used to
rank countries into four tiers of human development. The lower the index the higher
the lifespan, education level, and GDP per capita.
Make sure “UNDP: Millennium Development Goals Monitor” is selected under
“Global Awareness” in the “Layers” Category.
We will be comparing HDI statistics for the following countries listed in the table
below. You can find these countries by typing their names in the search bar in the
upper left corner. Click on the square blue icons to answer the following
questions for each country. Make sure you read the descriptions of each country.
▪ What is the population of each country?
▪ What is the Human Development Index (HDI) of each country?
▪ What is the GDP per capita for each country?
2
Make a table in Word. Put the above information in your table.
Country
Population
GDP per Capita
HDI
Central African Republic
China
Madagascar
Czech Republic (Czechia)
Answer the following three questions:
1. Using HDI, how would you rank these countries (low to high)? Make a new table
putting them in low to high order.
2. What do these numbers tell you about the economy, the quality of life, etc.?
3. Which country do you think has the most promise in overcoming its problems and
why? You will need to read the GE attached descriptions to help formulate an
answer.
To complete the assignment for Part I, you will have two tables and 3 answers.
Part 2
On the population pyramid website listed below, you will be examining the same
countries but will now include the United States. The URL for this portion of the
assignment is:
https://www.populationpyramid.net
Follow these directions for all 5 countries. Use 2015 Statistics.
• To start, choose “Central African Republic” from the list of countries. Start with
the letter “C” and work down from there. Create a table in Word like below to
help answer the following questions on page 4.
Country
Area
km2
Population Total
GDP
HDI
Central African Republic
China
Madagascar
Czech Republic (Czechia)
USA
•
•
•
8.0
Use the HDI from the previous table.
Look up the total area in km2 using the internet.
Using the “Snipping Tool,” copy and paste the population pyramid by age and
gender into your Word document. Make sure you label the graph by country (see
example below).
3
Example: France Population by Age and
Gender 2015
Be sure to include the year and the
population total in your snip!
After copying your pyramids, answer
the following five questions using the
data you acquired, the information from
the class lecture on population, and the
videos we watched in class. Refer to
your lecture, video notes, and to the
PPT slides available on Blackboard to
formulate your answers:
1. Comparing the populations, which
country do you feel is the “most crowded”?
How do you feel this will affect their
productivity? Use of resources?
2. Looking at the population by age and gender tables, which country has the
largest number of individuals over 80+? Under 0-9? (you will have to add
percentages here)
3. Looking at the overall patterns of the tables, which country has the (overall)
youngest population in terms of percent (under 20 years of age)?
4. Examine the male/female ratio by age group for each country. At what age group
does the male/female ratio become unequal for each country? What variable or
variables do you feel are affecting these patterns?
5. How could the Central African Republic’s population characteristics affect its
productivity? Explain. Use HDI statistics to help formulate your answer.
To complete the assignment for Part 2, you will have one table,
5 (copied) graphs, and 5 answers.