1. The Effects of Slow Population Growth

2. We are learning to…
Describe BRs and DRs in countries with a slowly growing population
Describe the problems associated with countries with a slow population growth
Describe the benefits for countries with a slow population growth

3. I Can… Draw and explain the shape of a population pyramid
Explain the consequences of a slow growing population
Give examples of measures taken by some countries to increase their population growth

4. In most developed countries the birth rates and death rates are low and their populations are rising only slowly, if at all
Their population structure would look like this

5. Task One
Using the template provided, draw a population pyramid to show this information:
Age Group
Males (1000s)
Females (1000s)
80+ 70 95
70-79
185
190
60-69
220
215
50-59
265
270
40-49
300
30-39
255
260
20-29
230
250
10-19
150
0-9
160
155
Colour the bars differently for males and females

6. There are few children in the population because the birth rate is low
There are many adults because in the past the BR was higher
There are also many old people because the death rate is low and most people live to an old age

7. This structure has advantages over the one for a typical developing country.
There are more working age and less needs to be spent on education because there are far fewer children
However, the structure is not ideal!

8. Task Two
Take a minute to discuss, in your groups, why this structure may not be ideal…
Watch the clip about UK’s aging population and take notes on how it is being addressed

9. Population structure for the UK, 1950 and 2012
The number of old people in the population is increasing rapidly (this is know as ‘the greying of the population’)
More money is needed to pay for pensions, care services, meals on wheels, health etc.
A decreasing number of people for the armed forces, and fewer potential parents
Age Group
1950 (%)
2012 (%)
0-14 22 18
15-64 67 63
65+ 11 19
Population structure for the UK, 1950 and 2012
Developed countries are concerned about their slow population growth

10. Policies for a slow growing population:
More paternity leave
More maternity benefits
Raise retirement age
Encourage more women to work
Allow more immigrants
Encourage people to take out private pensions

11. Task Three Answer the following questions:
On the hand out you have been given, which country has the higher birth rate, and which has the higher death rate?
Which country is showing the typical population structure for a developing country? Explain why.
What is meant by the phrase ‘the greying of the population’?
List the problems associated with a slowly growing population.
Describe ways in which developed countries can increase their workforce.
Choose two of the policies for slowly growing population. Say whether you think they are good ideas, and why.

12. We were learning to…
Describe BRs and DRs in countries with a slowly growing population
Describe the problems associated with countries with a slow population growth
Describe the benefits for countries with a slow population growth

13. Can I… Draw and explain the shape of a population pyramid
Explain the consequences of a slow growing population
Give examples of measures taken by some countries to increase their population growth