POPULATION AND SETTLEMENT: THE DEMOGRAPHIC DILEMMA Overpopulation and the Geography of Family Planning

Population Density

Question 1 – Problems with overpopulation Malnutrition and undernourished 2/3 of the children in India are considered underweight Environmental Damages Deforestation Poverty Lack of resources, shelter, food, etc

Question 1 - Problem: Widespread Poverty

Question 2 – Gender Preference

Why are there more male infants than female infants in India?

Literacy Rate and Population in India – Question 3

Question 4 – Why does the birthrate differ geographically within South Asia? Literacy Rates Typically where women’s literacy rates have increased, birthrates have dropped significantly (Southern South Asia) Government Support Advertisement of family plan policies through radio and billboards Easier access to oral contraceptives Lack of government support/policy = higher TFR Religious Influence Strong Muslim culture discourages women from using oral contraceptives (similar to the Pope’s stance)

Question 5 – Methods to Reduce TFR Sterilization Most popular in India among the South Asia countries 27% of married women in India are now sterilized Oral contraceptives Used by more than 50% of women in Bangladesh Education 35,000 Female workers take information about family planning into every village in the country Strong government support