NAME__________________________
Class_____________________________
Learning Objectives
I have looked
at it

To describe the growth and distribution of global
population.
To explain changes in death rate and birth rate
To know and explain the Demographic Transition
Model (DTM)
To know and explain factors affecting the distribution
and density of population in China and the UK
To explain how a country is trying to increase its birth
rate
To explain how a country is trying to decrease its birth
rate
To be able to interpret census data.
To be able to explain the difference between
population pyramids for LICS, MICs and HICs.
To explain the consequences of a youthful population
To explain the consequences and benefits of an ageing
population
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I have revised
it well

I really know it

LO: To know the meaning of key terms
DISTRIBUTION = Where things are, how they are spread out. If they are spread out evenly,
this is evenly distributed. If they are not spread out evenly, we call this unevenly distributed.
DENSITY = How many per square km. Can be densely populated (lots) or sparsely populated
(not many)
CONSEQUENCES = the things that happen as a result of something else happening. E.g. a
consequence of the drought was that all the crops died.
INCENTIVE = something that makes you want to do something. E.g. if you get a C in geography I
will give you £100 (I won’t so don’t ask!)
DISINCENTIVE = something that makes you not do something. E.g. if you fail your geography I will
fine you £100 (I won’t do this either!)
Identify
Name...
Give...
Explain
Say why...
Outline...
Suggest reasons for...
Describe
Say what you see
Match the sentences to the key term.
This is because there are
fewer vaccines in LICs such as
the MMR jab which fights
against measles, mumps and
Rubella.
Three factors are age, gender
and job.
The highest population is in
the East and the lowest
population is in the South.
The west of China is more
sparse compared to the east.
The government now has
pressure to raise taxes.
The government will give a
cash bonus to couples with
three or more children.
The nanny police will report
you for having more than one
child.
The population pyramid has a
large base and a narrow top.
Distribution
Density
Consequence
Incentive
Disincentive
Identity
Describe
Outline
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To describe the growth and distribution of global population.
To know and explain factors affecting the distribution and density of
population in China and the UK
Population distribution = the pattern of where people live.
World population distribution is uneven; there are crowded areas (dense) and places where few
people live (sparse). Population density is calculated by dividing the number of the people who
live in an area by its size.
The world map below identifies a number of SPARSE and DENSE regions and provides reasons
why:
Remember: There are always exceptions.
a) The Sahara desert is sparse due to the hostile climate. However, the Nile valley has a
dense population as the river provides a reliable water supply and fertile soils.
b) Siberia is sparsely populated due to extremely low temperatures which make farming
almost impossible. However, there are a number of large Siberian cities. These
unexpected settlements are located close to coal mines and gas wells, as the extraction
of these natural resources have led to good job opportunities.
CASE STUDY 1:
The UK is densely populated, but like most places the distribution is very uneven. Most of
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is sparsely populated whilst there is a high density in
much of England.
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CASE STUDY 2 - China
Although China has the
world’s largest population
at over 1.1 billion people
there are large parts of
the country which are
sparsely populated.
Most Chinese live in the
eastern half of the country
with the highest densities
along the coast and major
rivers (Yangtze).
The western half of China
is only sparsely populated
as much of it is arid (the
Gobi Desert) or upland
(theTibetan Plateaux/Atai
mountains).).
These regions have fertile
soils,
good
natural
resources and excellent
transport. The densest
regions are the major port
cities of Hong Kong and
Shanghai which have
grown prosperous through
international trade.
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The global population has now reached 7 billion. Population growth has been uneven, with the fastest
rates of growth in LICs. Most HICs now have stable populations, some are even shrinking!
Describe the distribution of China (4)
(Remember to describe, not explain. Say where it is, not why).
Explain the factors that have influenced the population distribution of China. (4)
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Describe how relief can affect the population of an area. (Remember to refer to egs – from anywhere around the
world, UK/China). (3)
To explain changes in death rate and birth rate
The rate at which a population grows depends upon two factors:
1) Natural increase
2) Migration change.
Natural Increase= The number of deaths – The number of births,
-
The higher this number the faster the rate of growth.
A negative result means the country’s population is shrinking.
Birth rate = number of live births per thousand people per year
Death rate = number of deaths per thousand per year.
Migrational change = Number of immigrants – number of emigrants.
In LICS, the rapid population growth of the past 100 years has mainly resulted from a reduction in
the death rate. In HICs the decrease has resulted from a reduced birth rate.
Reduction in death rate
Better medical care e.g. immunisations such as
TB jab has reduced deaths.
Reduction in birth rate.
Better care in LICs means that parents don’t
need to have so many children.
Better care for parents e.g. in Malawi they have
a programme dedicated to improving care for
expecting mothers and their babies.
In the UK, it is expensive to bring up a child.
Some families now choose lifestyle over
families.
Improved sanitation – reduces the risk of
disease.
Improved contraception and better access to it
has allowed people the choice of a family.
More education about diseases e.g. hand
washing campaign in Malawi schools.
Women now choose careers over children.
Improved water supply through appropriate
technology – less diseases.
Many people now get married later (30 year old
on average)
Some countries have a falling birth rate. Explain the reasons for this (3)
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To know and explain the Demographic Transition Model (DTM)
The DTM shows what happens to the BIRTH RATE, DEATH RATE and TOTAL POPULATION as a
country develops (gets richer).
In summary:
As a country develops:
-
The Total population increases until stage 4 and 5 where it decreases.
The Birth rate fluctuates and then decreases after the death rate. (stage 3)
The death rate fluctuates and then decreases at around stage 2.
In which stage of the DTM does the death rate fluctuate? (1)
In which stage is population growth the greatest? (1)
Suggest reasons to explain why the death rate is decreasing in stage 2 of the DTM. (3)
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To explain how a country is trying to increase its birth rate
To explain how a country is trying to reduce its birth rate.
INCREASING BIRTHS – Singapore
Population policy has gone full circle in Singapore. During the 1970s and 80s the government
encouraged parents to stop at two children, concerned that the small island nation would become
over crowded. The policy was so successful that the population actually started to shrink! Faced
with a shortage of workers for its expanding businesses the government introduced a ‘have three
or more’ policy which included the following elements:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Parents receive a cash gift of up to $6000 per child.
Government funding used to reduced the cost of nurseries
Preferential access to the best schools given to parents with large families
Expanding families given spacious flats and outdoor space.
Pregnant women are provided with counselling to discourage ‘abortions’ or sterilisation
after birth.
f) Maternity and paternity leave extended.
g) Parents receive annual paid childcare leave.
h) Parents with young children receive an extra payment from the government to help them
pay for a maid ($95 per week).
DECREASING BIRTHS – CHINA
During the 1960s and 70s China faced widespread famine as its population exploded out of
control. In a controversial attempt to control the size of its population the Chinese government
introduced the one-child policy in 1981. For almost 20 years no couple was allowed more than
one child and those that did were severely penalised. Since 1996 the policy has been relaxed a
little, particularly in rural areas where couples are allowed to have a second child if their first was
a girl. The government tried to control family size by:
a) Couples with only one child were given a ‘one-child certificate’ which entitled them to cash
bonuses, better childcare, longer maternity leave, and preferential access to housing.
b) Unmarried young people were persuaded to postpone marriage, and couples without
children advised to wait their turn.
c) Couples who already had a child were urged to undergo sterilisation, those with two or
more were virtually forced to be sterilised.
d) Couples who decided to have two or more children could be fined, demoted at work or
even sacked!
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These are both likely to longer answer questions:
Choose one country you have studied that is trying to increase its birth rate. Explain the incentives used by this
country (6)
With reference to a country you have studied, explain the incentives and disincentives used to decrease its birth rate.
(6)
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To be able to interpret census data.
Every 10 years the British government carries out a census. A census literally counts everyone
and records their characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, religion, occupation etc...). When the
results gathered are compared with those of the previous census demographers can get an
image of how a population is changing. This information can be used by many groups,
including local councils and national governments, to estimate future service needs, and in
some cases to identify potential future problems.
We can use it to map data and see patters. The map below shows the population of different
areas in the south east.
To be able to explain the difference between population pyramids for
LICS, MICs and HICs.
A population pyramid is a type of graph that shows the distribution of various age groups in a
country’s or region’s population. A great deal of information about a population can be read from
its pyramid, including the present level of development.
Pyramids at this
stage are also
short and have
very narrow tops
as few people
reach old age due
to a low life
expectancy.
As you go up, the
bars get shorter.
There is a big
difference
between each = a
high death rate.
High birth rate =
wide base.
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The pyramid starts
to lose its triangle
shape as the death
rates fall and people
live longer.
MICs are
characterised by
falling birth rates
and deaths (stage 3
of DTM).
The base starts to
narrow as birth rates
fall
MICs are
characterised by
falling birth rates
and deaths (stage 3
of DTM).
They have a a low
death rate and
high life
expectancy
meaning that
people live longer
giving a wider top.
HICS have a low
birth rate giving a
narrow base.
To explain the consequences of a youthful population
Youthful countries have a large proportion of their population below the age of 30. They have a rapidly
growing population.
In the Gambia,
50% of the
population are
under 15. This
puts a strain on
the country trying
to provide
education and
healthcare.
There will be a
large population
available for work.
Consequences
Children can look
after their
parents.
Explain what is meant by a youthful population. (2)
To explain the consequences and benefits of an ageing population
Ageing countries have a large proportion of their population in the over 60s category. Unlike youthful
countries where the overall size of the population tends to be increasing, ageing countries are usually
stable, some are even declining.
Benefits
In Britain pensioners are amongst the biggest
spenders, particularly boosting the leisure and retail
Consequences
increased demand for care homes sheltered housing
and medical facilities
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sectors. (Grey pound)
Healthy British pensioners are also making a new
role for themselves, providing child care for friends
and family, whilst volunteering for local groups and
charities.
The economy of ageing countries can be hindered
by a lack of workers
Some countries in an ageing population has caused
a pensions crisis, as the cost of supporting ‘longliving’ pensioners falls on a smaller and smaller
working population.
Workforce is too small to
support the huge number of
retirees. Not enough tax to pay
for pensions. By 2025 there will
only be two workers for each
pensioner.
A loss of competitiveness due
to a lack of new recruits.
Between 1990 and 2015 the
number of people in the 15-24
age group is expected to fall by
over a third. To cope with the
shortage, businesses are
increasingly turning to migrant
workers.
The cost of providing healthcare
for Japan’s pensioners has put
enormous pressure on the
countries finances. Over half of
the entire Health budget is
spent on over 60s care.
JAPAN
DISADVANTAGE
ADVANTAGE
Some Japanese pensioners work parttime, bringing years of knowledge and
expertise to small businesses that
previously could have never attracted such
experienced workers.
Wealthy pensioners are among Japan’s biggest spenders. The socalled ‘grey-boom’ has been fuelled by pensioners determined to
enjoy their retirement by buying luxury goods, travelling and
indulging their taste for expensive foods.
Choose one country with an ageing population. Explain the advantages of an ageing population for this country. (6)
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