Population Growth (Cambridge International IGCSE Economics)

Factors that affect population growth

Spec point — "– birth rate – death rate – net migration, immigration and emigration"

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 **

• 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

• The following factors affect population growth:

1. Birth rate and death rate

• The annual birth rate is the number of people born per 1000 people

• The annual death rate is the number of people who die per 1000 people

  • A higher birth rate and lower death rate would both increase the population

2. Net migration rate

• The net migration rate is calculated as the difference between immigration and emigration

  • More immigration than emigration would increase the growth rate

Population changes between countries

Spec point — "• how birth rates, death rates and net migration can vary between countries • reasons why birth rates, death rates and net migration rates can vary between countries"

Population changes between countries

• Birth rates (number of births per 1,000 people per year) tend to be higher in developing countries and lower in developed countries
• Death rates (number of deaths per 1,000 people per year) are often higher in countries with poor healthcare or older populations
• Net migration (the difference between immigration and emigration) can be positive or negative depending on a country’s job opportunities, safety, and quality of life

Reasons for differences in population indicators

Birth rates

• Higher in developing countries due to:

  • Limited access to contraception
  • Cultural or religious reasons favouring large families
  • Higher infant mortality (families have more children as a safeguard)
  • Children being seen as economic support in farming or informal work

• Lower in developed countries due to:

  • Better access to education and family planning
  • Women pursuing careers and marrying later
  • Higher cost of raising children

Death rates

• Higher in low-income countries due to:

  • Poor healthcare and sanitation
  • Limited access to clean water and medicine
  • Malnutrition or infectious diseases

• Lower in high-income countries due to:

  • Advanced healthcare systems
  • Better living standards and nutrition
  • Vaccination and public health programmes

Net migration

• Positive net migration (more people coming in) in countries with:

  • Higher wages and job opportunities
  • Political stability and safety
  • Better education and healthcare

• Negative net migration (more people leaving) in countries with:

  • Conflict, poor governance or human rights issues
  • High unemployment or poverty
  • Natural disasters or environmental problems

Exam Hint For MCQs on birth rates, death rates, or migration, always identify the level of development in the country described.

• If a country has poor healthcare, low income and high infant mortality — expect high birth and death rates
• If a country is developed with good healthcare and low fertility, expect low birth and death rates and possibly net immigration