World Geography and Cultures Population Notes

Critical Issues in Population Geography More people are alive today than at any other time in human history The world’s population increased at a faster rate during the second half of the twentieth century than ever before. Virtually all population growth today occurs in less developed countries (LDCs) 200 Years in 4 minutes

Hong Kong…most densely populated place.

Question How does such a high population density affect the way people live? Japanese Pushers Capsule Hotels

Street in Ulan Bator, Mongolia…least densely populated country.

Density vs. Distribution Density- high vs. Low Rapid population growth effects Carrying Capacity Distribution- why do people live where they live Population Density Average number of people in a unit of area. Population Distribution Where people live in a country (crowded cities or spread out in rural areas). Arithmetic Population Density Population of a country divided by its total land area. Physiologic Population Density Population of a country divided by its arable land area (land suitable for farming).

Why Is Population Increasing at Different Rates? Demographic transition –change in a society’s population Four stages Stage 1: Low growth Agricultural revolution Stage 2: High growth Industrial Revolution Stage 3: Moderate growth Stage 4: Low growth Zero population growth (ZPG)

Demographic Transition Model (DMT) Stage one- (Low Growth) Very high birth and death rates produce virtually no long-term natural population increase Neolithic/nomad era- granny had 10 kids, but 5 died, cheetah attacks a village, everyone runs but granny won’t make it! Birth rate fluctuates based on environment of the day Stage two- (High Growth) Rapidly declining death rates and very high birth rates produce very high natural increase industrial age/urbanization- you have 10 kids, maybe 1 dies, but still thinking like stage one. Birthrate is high, but not fluctuating as much. Death rate plummets! Life gets better- food, medicine, weapons, people stay alive!!! Population explodes. Farmers get tools/tractors and so people move into other jobs- factories! Policeman, lawyers, doctors, civil servants, job specialization. 60/40 rural/urban living Stage three- (Decreasing Growth) Birth rates rapidly decline, death rates continue to decline, and natural increase rates begin to moderate 50/50 rural/urban living marriage and children start to get delayed in order to educate women, have less time to have children. Birth rates drop. Death rates continue to decline but not as dramatically in stage 2. Stage Four- (Low Growth) Very low birth and death rates produce virtually no long-term natural increase and possibly a decrease Women in stage 4 countries often enter the labor force rather than remain at home Women have wide access to birth control