Key terms: Economically active: The total population between the ages of 15 and 65 in any country Youthful population: A population with a high proportion of young people usually under the age of 16 or 18 Old dependants: A population with a high proportion of old people usually over the age of 65 Dependency ratio: A measure showing the number of dependents (aged 0-14 and over the age of 65) to the total population (aged 15-64).

Youthful Population Structure (Population Pyramids) Seen as a wide base on population pyramids that reflect high birth rates in LEDCs.

The Gambia The Gambia is the smallest African country The birth rate is 40 per 1000 population 95% of Gambia’s population are Muslim. There has been a taboo on contraceptives

A Typical Gambian Woman Fertility rate:

Problems having a young population One of main problems facing governments of LICs. More than 40% of Africa is under fifteen. In The Gambia it is 50%. Enormous strain on economies as they try to provide an education, health care & food for the children. Education is not free – so in some countries girls get married at an early age & have children. The Gambia, in 2004, made secondary education free for girls. Attendance in schools, in rural areas, is very low. Large numbers of unqualified workers. Disease is widespread. Illnesses such as measles & diarrhoea are common & can lead to death due to lack of doctors, nurses & medical supplies. No hospital in most rural areas.

Advantages having a young population Children can look after their parents so less money needs to be spent on care for the elderly. There is a large, active workforce available for economic growth. Responses to the problems Contraception There are now awareness campaigns and radio adverts explaining about contraceptives. An NGO called Futures is helping to address the problem by delivering very cheap contraception which is subsidised by the World Health Organisation. Due to this programme the population growth rate has dropped from 4.2% to 3%. Health To reduce the infant mortality rate funding from Canada is used to provide free vaccination for children. Improved maternity care helps the mothers to survive. Parents are encouraged to space out the births so that mother has enough time to recover. Managing Resources The German government are funding a forest management scheme. The plan is to plant new forests and educate the population on how to look after and use the forests. Education More and more children are attending school.

Other Factors that may lead to a growing population in The Gambia The Desire for a large family remains strong. Larger families are seen as a sign of security. The Stigma and cost of contraception- links to religious background.