Measuring Population
Aim-to know the statistics used to measure population
change.
 Describe and explain the population
statistics for Gambia and Sweden
between 1985 and 1995
Country
BR
DR
Natural
increase
Doubling
time
IMR
Life
Expectancy
%urban
population
Gambia
49
48
29
21
2.0
2.7
36
26
193
90
35
45
21
26
Sweden
11
14
11
11
0
0.3
300
255
7.0
4.8
76
75
83
83
Measuring Population
Aim-to know the statistics used to measure population
change.
 Your answer should include quoted figures and
explanation.
 For Gambia; Changes include; improvements in
sanitation, healthcare and diet this has resulted in the
declining DR and IMR. Family planning is still not a
priority or has not had a chance to succeed, since there
is no significant change in the BR.
 For Sweden- No significant changes except for BR, and
its knock on effects. The increase in BR may be due to
government incentives to encourage women to have
more children. Exactly what is expected for a stable
country in stage four of the demographic transition.
The Census
Aim- to understand the benefits of a properly conducted
census and the problems LEDCs face trying to conduct
one.

It's important for countries to have an accurate population figure.
Governments need to know not just how many people there are but how
old they are, where they live and the kind of work they're doing. This
helps governments to plan health and education services, future housing
needs and so on. Most use a census (usually every 10 years) to count
their population.
Each country faces different challenges in collecting this data and the
quality of the results varies - some countries have no data. Many
countries find the cost of carrying out an effective census is beyond them.
Problems associated with collecting census information vary and can be
more or less severe. They may include:
•the size of a country
•the wealth of the country – poor countries can't afford the
public expenditure difficulties getting to some parts because of:
•the terrain – mountainous areas, poor roads or no roads
•the climate – rainy seasons frequently hinder movement
•wars – within one country or with another disrupt normal life
•communication – in some countries a number of different
languages are spoken literacy – people who can't read or write
will not fill in forms without help
The Census
Aim- to understand the benefits of a properly conducted
census and the problems LEDCs face trying to conduct
one.
“ The information collected from a census
Is crucial for effective planning, but not all
Countries are in a position to collect this
Information.
(a) Describe the benefits which would be gained from a properly taken
census. 8 marks
(b) Explain, with the help of some examples, why some countries find it
difficult to take a census. 12 marks