O Level Population
1. Definition of Population
● Total number of people living in a specific area or country.
● Studied in population geography and demographics.
2. Key Population Terminologies
● Birth Rate:
○ Number of live births per 1,000 people per year.
○ High birth rate → population growth.
● Death Rate:
○ Number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.
○ High death rate → population decline.
● Natural Increase:
○ Difference between birth rate and death rate.
○ Positive natural increase → growing population.
○ Negative → declining population.
● Fertility Rate:
○ Average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime.
● Infant Mortality Rate:
○ Number of deaths of infants under age 1 per 1,000 live births.
● Life Expectancy:
○ Average number of years a person is expected to live.
○ Higher in developed countries due to better healthcare.
● Population Density:
○ Number of people living per square kilometre.
○ High density → crowded areas (e.g., cities).
○ Low density → sparsely populated (e.g., deserts).
● Population Distribution:
○ How people are spread out geographically.
○ Uneven distribution influenced by physical and human factors.
3. Factors Affecting Population Size and Growth
A. Physical (Natural) Factors
● Climate:
○ Moderate climates attract settlement (e.g., coastal areas).
○ Harsh climates (extremely hot/cold) discourage population.
● Relief (Landscape):
○ Flat, low-lying areas are more suitable for farming and building.
○ Mountains and steep slopes are less populated.
● Water Supply:
○ Rivers and lakes attract people due to agriculture, drinking water, and
transport.
● Soil Fertility:
○ Fertile land supports farming → encourages settlement.
B. Human (Socio-Economic) Factors
● Job Opportunities:
○ Cities attract people for industrial and service jobs.
● Health & Education Services:
○ Better services encourage population growth and urbanisation.
● Transport & Communication:
○ Well-connected areas tend to be more populated.
● Political Stability:
○ Peaceful areas are more attractive for settlement.
● Cultural Beliefs:
○ Traditions or religions may promote large families.
4. Types of Population Growth
● Rapid Growth:
○ High birth rate, low death rate.
○ Found in many developing countries (e.g., Nigeria, Bangladesh).
● Slow or Stable Growth:
○ Birth and death rates are nearly equal.
○ Found in some developed countries (e.g., USA, UK).
● Negative Growth (Decline):
○ Death rate exceeds birth rate.
○ Found in ageing societies (e.g., Japan, Germany).
5. Population Structure – Population Pyramid
● A bar graph showing population by age group and gender.
● Wide base → high birth rate.
● Narrow top → low life expectancy.
● Rectangular shape → ageing, stable population.
● Used for planning schools, jobs, healthcare, pensions, etc.
6. Problems of Overpopulation
● Shortage of jobs → unemployment and poverty.
● Overcrowding in cities → slums and informal settlements.
● Strain on health and education services.
● Environmental issues: deforestation, pollution, land degradation.
● Food shortages and malnutrition.
● Increased crime rates.
7. Problems of Underpopulation
● Not enough workers → low productivity.
● Difficulty in defending the country or developing the economy.
● High cost of maintaining infrastructure (roads, hospitals).
● Ageing population → more dependents than workers.
● Reduced market size for goods and services.
8. Population Policies
A. Pro-Natalist Policies (Encourage births)
● Aim: Increase birth rate.
● Reasons: Ageing population, labour shortage.
● Example:
○ France – child allowances, maternity leave, tax benefits for larger families.
B. Anti-Natalist Policies (Reduce births)
● Aim: Control overpopulation.
● Example:
○ China – One-Child Policy (now relaxed), incentives for small families, family
planning education.
9. Migration and Its Effects
Types of Migration
● Internal Migration:
○ Movement within a country (e.g., rural to urban areas).
● International Migration:
○ Movement across borders (e.g., from Mexico to USA).
Causes of Migration
● Push Factors (reasons to leave):
○ War/conflict
○ Famine
○ Natural disasters
○ Lack of jobs
● Pull Factors (reasons to move in):
○ Better job opportunities
○ Political stability
○ Access to healthcare and education
Effects on Source Country
● Brain drain (loss of skilled workers).
● Decrease in labour force.
● Remittances sent home.
● Reduced pressure on local resources.
Effects on Receiving Country
● Increased labour supply.
● Cultural diversity.
● Pressure on housing, schools, hospitals.
● Integration and social tension challenges.
10. Population and Development
● Population must grow at a manageable rate for sustainable development.
● High population growth in poor countries can:
○ Increase poverty.
○ Reduce per capita income.
○ Strain government services.
● Solutions for Balanced Development:
○ Investment in education and healthcare.
○ Family planning awareness.
○ Job creation and rural development.