AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Scoring Guide

Unit 2 Population Practice Exam

1. A country in the first stage of the demographic transition demonstrates which of the following?
(A) An old population age structure
(B) High birth rates, but low death rates
(C) Low birth rates, low death rates, and low rates of population growth
(D) High birth rates, high death rates, and low rates of population growth
(E) High birth rates, high death rates, and high rates of population growth

Source: United Nations Environment Programme

2. Population patterns shown on the map indicate that areas around river deltas and upland lake and river valleys have
higher densities. Which of the following best explains why these regions are more heavily populated?
(A) These regions have pronatalist policies.
(B) These regions have access to international trade.
(C) These regions experience seasonal climate variation.
(D) These regions have mineral resources.
(E) These regions have higher carrying capacities.

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Answer E

Correct. These regions have higher carrying capacities because of their proximity to reliable freshwater
sources. Upland lakes, and river deltas can support larger human populations because they provide a
form of transportation, reliable access to water for daily needs, and a source of water for agricultural
practices.

3. Which of the following types of population information is shown on the map?

(A) Transnational migration
(B) Internal migration
(C) Agricultural density
(D) Arithmetic density
(E) Physiological density

Answer D

Correct. The map legend identifies the variations of shading on the map as representing certain ranges of
arithmetic density, a measure of people per square kilometer of total land area.

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4.

Source: NASA, Columbia University, Natural Earth GIS

The map shows the number of people per unit of land. Which of the following types of data are shown in the map?
(A) Arithmetic density
(B) Physiological density
(C) Agricultural density
(D) Urban density
(E) Suburban density

Answer A

Correct. The map shows arithmetic density, which is the number of people per unit of land.

5. There has been an increase in asylum seekers from Syria to the European Union in recent years. Which of the
following best describes the reason for this migration?
(A) A large rural-to-urban population shift within Syria
(B) A continuing rise in employment for asylum seekers in the European Union
(C) A continuing issue of conflict and political unrest within Syria
(D) The tightening of asylum policies by the European Union
(E) The tightening of guest-worker policies by the European Union

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Answer C

Correct. Civil war and political conflicts during this time period led to an increase in Syrian asylum
seekers to the European Union.

6. The measure of the average number of children who are born to women of childbearing age in the population is
called the
(A) actual birth rate
(B) crude birth rate
(C) total fertility rate
(D) adjusted birth rate
(E) net reproduction ratio

7. Based on the population pyramid, which of the following will pose the greatest demographic challenge to China
beginning in 2029?

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(A) Providing for the needs of its aging population

(B) Finding enough teachers to educate the young
(C) Limiting out-migration of the 60- to 64-year-old age cohort
(D) Providing prenatal medical care
(E) Controlling population growth

8. BIRTH RATES AND DEATH RATES IN SELECTED COUNTRIES

Birth Rate Death Rate

Country

per 1,000 population per 1,000 population

Ethiopia 33 7
Germany 9 11
Bangladesh 19 5
Chile 14 6
Vietnam 16 7
Source: Population Reference Bureau
Which of the following statements accurately explains the population dynamics of a
country on the table shown?
(A) Ethiopia has a high youth dependency ratio.
(B) Chile has a higher rate of emigration than other countries in the table.
(C) Males in Chile have a longer life expectancy than males in Germany.
(D) Germany has a negative rate of natural increase.
(E) Bangladeshi citizens have access to high-quality health care.

Answer D

Correct. Germany’s death rates are higher than its birth rates, indicating a negative rate of natural
increase.

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9.
Country Female Life Expectancy Male Life Expectancy Percent Over Age 65
Germany 83 78 21%
Italy 85 81 22%
Japan 87 81 28%

Source: Population Reference Bureau

Based on the data shown, which of the following describes the most likely population context for the countries
listed?
(A) High youth dependency ratio and a lack of economic resources to provide for large families
(B) Rapid population growth in cities as people migrate from rural to urban areas for industrial jobs
(C) Shortage of arable land on which to raise crops and other food products to support the population
(D) Unstable food supply due to a rapidly growing population
(E) Stage five of the demographic transition model due to very low birth rates

Answer E

Correct. In stage 5 of the demographic transition model, birth rates drop below death rates and the total
population increases in age. As a result, countries in stage 5 of the demographic transition model have a
high a high elder dependency ratio.

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Sources: Esri, Natural Earth GIS

10. Which statement best explains an environmental impact of China's population distribution?
The population distribution shown allows for large-scale agricultural expansion in western China to
(A)
increase the food supply.
The population distribution shown permits the dispersal of industrial air pollution outside of the region
(B)
due to prevailing wind patterns.
The population distribution shown directs urban and industrial water pollution along riverways to less
(C)
populated portions of the country.
The population distribution shown depicts concentration in cities, which results in more open area to
(D)
protect wildlife and preserve habitats.
The population distribution shown requires more intensive use of limited soil and water resources to
(E)
increase the carrying capacity of agricultural land.

Answer E

Correct. China’s large urban population and increasing urban expansion into available agricultural land
place higher demands on increasingly limited soil and water resources. This requires more agricultural
inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, to increase the carrying capacity of the land.

11. If rural-to-urban migration continues in China, which of the following outcomes is most likely?

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(A) Farming will become unsustainable.

(B) Housing shortages in urban areas will be common.
(C) Schools in rural areas will not have enough students to remain open.
(D) Manufacturing areas will face labor shortages.
(E) Wages will increase in urban areas.

Answer B

Correct. Clusters of large cities indicate very high levels of population density that likely result in
housing shortages.

12. Which of the following best identifies the data for western China, shown on the map?
(A) High carrying capacity
(B) Low population pressure
(C) Clustered population
(D) High arithmetic density
(E) Low arithmetic density

Answer E

Correct. The map shows arithmetic density, which refers to the number of people per unit of land. The
pattern on the map indicates that arithmetic density is lower in western China.

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The following questions refer to the population pyramids below.

13. Which population pyramid shown best represents a college town?

(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

14. Which population pyramid shown best represents a town with a military base?
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

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15. BIRTH RATES AND DEATH RATES IN SELECTED COUNTRIES

Birth Rate Death Rate

France 12 9
Russia 13 13
Brazil 13 6
China 13 7
Mexico 20 5
India 21 7
Egypt 30 7
Nigeria 39 13
Source Population Reference Bureau
Using the data shown in the table, which of the following most accurately describes
the changing role of women in different parts of the world?
The relatively high birth rate for Nigeria indicates that women may have increased access to
(A)
contraception.
Similar death rates for China, India, and Egypt indicate that women in these countries have the same
(B)
access to contraception.
(C) The relatively low death rate for Mexico indicates that women may have increased access to health care.
Similar birth rates for Russia, Brazil, and China indicate that women in these countries may lack access
(D)
to health care.
(E) The relatively low birth rate for France indicates that women may lack access to health care.

16. Country A is a more developed country with a low birth rate, a low total fertility rate, a high life expectancy, and a
high percentage of urban population. Based on this information, which of the following outcomes is most likely to
occur in Country A?
(A) Guest workers from less developed countries are needed to fill the labor shortages in urban areas.
Falling birth rates and declining youth populations result in an increase in school construction in urban
(B)
areas.
Pressures on pension and social security programs are at critical levels as the number of elderly
(C)
increases.
(D) Provincial and national politicians must tailor their political campaigns to appeal to rural voters.
Suburban house construction declines as elderly populations downsize and seek to be closer to urban
(E)
amenities.

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Answer C

Correct. National programs for old-age pensions in more developed countries are pressured to support a
growing number of retirees, as the working-age population is declining. The working-age population
contributes to pension funds, which make payments to retirees.

17. Which of the following is a correct statement about the demographic transition model?
(A) It is applicable only to eighteenth-century Europe.
(B) It predicts the growth of population in Russia reasonably well.
(C) It divides the demographic changes of a country into two stages of slow growth and high growth.
(D) It supports the idea that technology can remove or extend the limits of food production.
(E) It is characterized by relatively low growth rates at stage 1 and stage 4.

18.

Which of the following countries is best described as being at Stage 3 of the demographic transition model?
(A) China: birth rate = 13, death rate =7
(B) Democratic Republic of the Congo: birth rate = 44, death rate = 10
(C) Bolivia: birth rate = 24 , death rate = 7
(D) Ivory Coast: birth rate = 37, death rate = 13
(E) Hungary: birth rate = 10, death rate = 13

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Answer C

Correct. Bolivia, with a birth rate of 24 and a death rate of 10, falls within the range of values for stage 3
of the demographic transition model.

ESTIMATED POPULATION TRENDS FOR JAPAN

Year Total Population Population Age Under 16 Population Age 65 and Over
2010 127,579,145 17,546,488 29,103,030
2020 125,507,472 15,670,950 36,627,469
2030 120,751,317 13,482,155 38,886,970
2040 114,448,328 12,474,428 42,209,603
2050 107,209,536 11,657,139 42,938,885

Source: United States Census Bureau, International Data Base

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19. Which of the following best explains a possible limitation of the trends assumed from the population pyramid and
estimates in the data table?
A period of war followed by a baby boom, similar to that of the 1940s and 1950s, is likely to occur
(A)
within a generation, increasing the youth-aged cohorts.
Modernization of health-care systems may result in improvements in women’s health and pregnancy and
(B)
result in more children being born, increasing the youth-aged cohorts.
Labor shortages may cause the government to reduce the legal barriers to immigration, and immigrant
(C)
populations could increase the working-age cohorts.
Decreasing populations may cause an economic decline, prompting many citizens to emigrate to other
(D)
more developed countries and decreasing the working-age cohorts.
Production efficiencies gained from computerization and robotization of manufacturing may free parents
(E) from long work hours and result in more time to have additional children, increasing the youth-aged
cohorts.

Answer C

Correct. The increasingly elderly population will require a larger service workforce to attend to their
medical and domestic-service needs. Shortages in categories such as trained health-care clinicians and
elder-care workers may result in policy changes to allow more foreign workers to move to the country.

20. What changes could local governments, businesses, and corporations make to reverse Japan’s national birth
patterns?
Decreasing transportation costs to allow workers to commute from locations farther outside of densely
(A)
populated urban centers
Adding low-cost or zero-cost infant daycare and preschool centers to make larger family sizes more
(B)
affordable
(C) Reducing the length of maternity leave to incentivize women to return to paid employment
(D) Enforcing a strict antinatalist policy that provides incentives for families to have fewer children
(E) Increasing access to family planning clinics and making doctor’s office visits free for women patients

Answer B

Correct. The high cost of infant day care and preschool programs is a barrier for many families who wish
to have children.

21. What is the likely impact of the numerical change by 2050 of the total population on the eventual shape of Japan’s
population pyramid?

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Since the impact will be gradual over a 40-year period, the 2050 population pyramid likely will not
(A)
change.
Because of low birth rates over many years, by 2050 Japan will likely attain a column-shaped population
(B)
pyramid.
Owing to the large numbers of pregnancies in the growing reproductive-age cohorts, in 2050 the
(C)
population pyramid will likely have the shape of a pentagon.
Because of an increasing death rate due to an older population, in 2050 the population pyramid will
(D)
likely have the shape of an equilateral triangle.
Because of low birth rates over many years, the 2050 population pyramid will likely be an inverted
(E)
pyramid.

Answer E

Correct. Population decline results from increasingly smaller cohorts in the reproductive and youth age-
groups as each year goes by, resulting in an inverted pyramid.

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22.

Birth Rates and Death Rates for Selected Regions

Birth Rate in 2017 (per 1,000 Death Rate in 2017 (per 1,000
Region
population) population)
Latin America 17 6
West Africa 39 11
Western
10 10
Europe

Source: Population Reference Bureau

Deaths in Country A often occur due to outbreaks of epidemic disease, while in Country B most people are dying
from chronic disorders such as heart disease. Which of the following best describes where these countries fall in the
demographic transition model and in which region they are likely located?
(A) Country A : Stage 3, Latin America; Country B : Stage 2, West Africa
(B) Country A : Stage 2, Latin America; Country B : Stage 3, West Africa
(C) Country A : Stage 2, West Africa; Country B : Stage 4, western Europe
(D) Country A : Stage 4, western Europe; Country B : Stage 2, West Africa
(E) Country A : Stage 4, western Europe ; Country B : Stage 2, Latin America

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Answer C

Correct. In Stage 2 countries, such as the ones found in West Africa, many deaths occur from outbreaks
of epidemic disease because of a lack of reliable health care and advanced sanitation techniques. In Stage
4 countries, such as the ones found in western Europe, most deaths are related to chronic disorders such
as heart disease caused by old age and lifestyle choices.

23. Even though total fertility rates have been declining in some less-developed countries, the total population has
continued to grow. This is primarily because a high percentage of the population is
(A) female
(B) male
(C) over the age of 15
(D) under the age of 15
(E) receiving adequate medical care

24. Japan has a low birth rate and a high life expectancy. Which of the following explains why Japan will struggle with
demographic challenges in 30 years?
(A) Too many youth dependents for the education system will require increased taxes.
(B) An aging population needing health care will require more public funding.
(C) Too many workers for available jobs will lead to high rates of unemployment.
(D) A rapidly increasing population will strain the country’s infrastructure.
(E) A rapidly increasing population will strain the available food supply.

Answer B

Correct. In 30 years, many of the current working age population will have aged into retirement and have
become elderly dependents. This in turn will increase demands for the funding of health care required by
this age group.

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25.

Based on the diagram of the demographic transition model, which of the following correctly describes the expected
population change over time?
(A) As birth rates remain high and death rates decrease, the total population remains stable.
(B) As birth and death rates are high, population growth remains high.
(C) As birth rates are higher than death rates, population growth remains high.
(D) As birth and the death rates lower, the total population remains low.
(E) As birth rates drop below death rates, the total population remains stable.

Answer C

Correct. According to the demographic transition model, population growth occurs when birth rates are
higher than death rates.

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26.

Which of the following describes the most likely cause of death for a citizen of a country in stages 4 and 5 of the
demographic transition model?
(A) Infectious diseases due to poor sanitation
(B) Degenerative diseases due to old age and lifestyle
(C) Starvation due to an unstable food supply
(D) Infectious diseases due to a lack of vaccines and antibiotics
(E) Reemergence of previously eradicated diseases

Answer B

Correct. In stages 4 and 5, most deaths are caused by diseases related to age and lifestyle, such as
cardiovascular disease and cancer.

27. Which statement best describes population growth patterns in the world today?
(A) In the world as a whole, women have an average of five or more children, leading to Malthusian crises.
(B) Fertility rates in low- and middle-income countries worldwide are higher now than 25 years ago.
(C) In the world as a whole, fertility rates have fallen in the last 25 years.
(D) In sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific, fertility rates have doubled in the last 25 years.
(E) Fertility rates in most high-income countries have risen in the last 25 years.

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28.

The low birth and death rates for a country in stage 4 of the demographic transition model are best explained by
(A) the rural population and agricultural livelihood of a less developed country.
(B) the level of education and traditional roles for women in a less developed country
(C) the resource-based economy and life expectancy of a less developed country
(D) the level of urbanization and technological advancement of a more developed country
(E) the environmental pollution and manufacturing infrastructure of a more developed country

Answer D

Correct. More developed countries have low natural increase rates and high literacy rates due to social
and medical advancements.

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29.

BRAZIL

Source: Natural Earth GIS

Which of the following best explains a likely effect of Brazil’s population distribution?
(A) More uniform economic growth throughout the entire country as urban areas expand westward
(B) Increased cultural unity as more people live in close proximity to one another in eastern Brazil
Uneven economic development as eastern Brazil experiences more growth than the sparsely inhabited
(C)
western regions
(D) The expansion of available farmland as people move to the cities, allowing more rural land to be farmed
More efficient political administration and improved governance as the population becomes more
(E)
clustered

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Answer C

Correct. With higher population densities in the eastern coastal regions economic growth is occurring
unevenly. Less populated regions in the western interior are experiencing less economic growth than
urban centers in the East.

30. Which of the following statements best describes how the epidemiologic transition affects the demographic
transition?
The epidemiologic transition occurs in stage 1 of the demographic transition, causing a fluctuation in
(A)
birth and death rates.
Improvements in nutrition, sanitation, and health care cause death rates to fall in stage 2 of the
(B)
demographic transition.
Improvements in nutrition, sanitation, and health care cause birth rates to fall in stage 3 of the
(C)
demographic transition.
The epidemiologic transition occurs in stage 4 of the demographic transition, causing a slowing of the
(D)
rate of natural increase.
The epidemiologic transition occurs in stage 5 of the demographic transition as famines and wars cause
(E)
a total population decline.

Answer B

Correct. An improved food supply and improved public health and medicine cause death rates from
communicable diseases to fall and population growth to occur as birth rates remain high in stage 2.

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31. In the model shown, the lines for birth rate, death rate, and total population are indicators of a country’s
(A) cycles of economic boom and bust over time
(B) level of social and economic development over time
(C) demographic change following a period of warfare
(D) demographic change following a period of famine
(E) demographic change following a period of totalitarian government

Answer B

Correct. The trend of birth rates, death rates, and total population shown in the model indicates a
country’s level of social and economic development over time as it transitions from an agrarian society
to an urbanized service economy.

32. The demographic transition is a general model that seeks to explain

(A) the relationship between the size of age cohorts and natural population change
(B) how variations in population size and food supply can lead to periods of crisis
(C) the effects of changes in population size on the gross domestic product
(D) variations in population size, population migration rates, and the rate of natural increase
(E) how differences in birth and death rates result in natural population change

Answer E

Correct. Large differences in birth rates and death rates result in a country’s population growth or
decline.

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33. BANGLADESH, TOTAL FERTILITY RATE AND RATE OF NATURAL INCREASE

Year Total Fertility Rate Rate of Natural Increase

1990 4.49 2.5%
1995 3.71 2.3%
2000 3.17 2.1%
2005 2.69 1.8%
2010 2.33 1.6%
2015 2.13 1.4%

Source: World Bank

Bangladesh has seen its total fertility rate drop to 2.1, but its population is projected to be higher in 2050 than it is
today. Which of the following explains why Bangladesh will continue to experience positive rates of natural
increase?
(A) Bangladesh will continue to grow because it will receive a high number of immigrants.
(B) Bangladesh was experiencing low birth rates, but it is predicted to have a baby boom.
(C) Bangladesh’s population will continue to grow as a result of a large youthful population.
(D) Bangladesh will promote pronatalist policies to avoid a diminished workforce.
(E) Bangladesh will continue to grow because a fertility rate of 2.1 is still above replacement level.

Answer C

Correct. Bangladesh has achieved replacement rate fertility but due to the high number of young people
will continue to see growth until after 2050 as the large youthful population ages and produces a
generation larger than some of the older adult populations.

34. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have total fertility rates that exceed 5.0. Which of the following population
characteristics is associated with this phenomenon?
(A) High youth dependency ratio
(B) Long life expectancy
(C) Low birth rates
(D) High elder dependency ratio
(E) Zero population growth

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Answer A

Correct. The fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa are high, which indicates that the countries listed
struggle with high youth dependency ratios as death rates continue to decrease.

35.

Source: United States Census Bureau

Which of the following patterns is indicated by the population pyramid shown?

(A) Levels of education and contraceptive usage are high among women.
(B) Government policies encourage women to have multiple children.
(C) The population has a high total fertility rate.
(D) Government policies discourage women from having multiple children.
(E) The population has a low infant mortality rate.

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Answer C

Correct. Given the high population growth rate of this country indicated by the population pyramid’s
wide base, it is likely that this country has a high total fertility rate.

36. Immigration of asylum applicants from Africa to the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland increased from
approximately 50,000 in 2010 to approximately 200,000 in 2016. In 2017, there were approximately 175,000
asylum applicants. Which of the following best explains the trend in asylum seekers from African countries to
Europe since 2010?
Improvement in the level of economic development in African countries led to an increase in the number
(A)
of asylum seekers.
A decrease in the number of armed conflicts in African countries meant a higher number of asylum
(B)
seekers traveling to Europe.
Political instability and conflict along with high fertility levels over the long term has led to an increase
(C)
in asylum seekers.
Low fertility rates and more stable political systems led to an overall decrease in asylum seekers as they
(D)
found more economic opportunities at home.
An influx of asylum seekers from the Middle East led to a decrease in the number of accepted asylum
(E)
applications from Africa.

Answer C

Correct. Insecure political situations and high fertility rates leading to competition for available jobs have
acted as push factors in African countries and created the general increase.

37. From 2010 through 2017 there was a large increase in the number of migrants from Africa to Europe. Which of the
following explains a possible impact on the emigrant countries of origin during and after that time period?
Increasing emigration resulted in the governments of the countries of origin providing financial support
(A)
for emigrants.
As more emigrants sent money home, the influx of money created an economic boom in the countries of
(B)
origin.
Increasing emigration resulted in a decreased need for language training programs in schools to help
(C)
emigrants find work.
Many emigrants became unemployed, which decreased the total financial contributions to countries of
(D)
origin.
Remittances increased diffusion of cultural traits such as customs, religion, and food products from the
(E)
host countries to the countries of origin.

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Answer B

Correct. Emigrants send funds back to family members still living in the countries of origin. As the flow
of these funds increased, the countries of origin experienced better economic conditions during the late
2010s.

38. Which of the following would be most likely to increase life expectancy in a less developed country, resulting in an
aging population in that country?
(A) An increase in the country’s birth rate
(B) Rural-to-urban migration within the country
(C) Improvements in transportation and communication networks
(D) Improvements in access to health care and sanitation
(E) A decrease in the country’s total fertility rate

Answer D

Correct. Improvements in access to health care and sanitation can contribute to increased life
expectancies in less developed countries. These types of improvements can help prevent deaths from
infectious diseases.

39. BIRTH RATES AND DEATH RATES IN SELECTED COUNTRIES

Birth Rate (per 1,000 population) Death Rate (per 1,000 population)
France 12 9
Mexico 20 5
India 21 7
Egypt 30 7
Nigeria 39 13
Source: Population Reference Bureau
Which of the following best describes a spatial pattern suggested by the data shown in
the table?

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(A) Mexico and Nigeria have similar birth rates

(B) India and Egypt have the lowest death rates
(C) France and India have the lowest birth rates
(D) Mexico and France have the highest death rates
(E) Egypt and Nigeria have the highest birth rates

40.

Source: World Health Organization

Which of the following statements best explains the trend about infant mortality shown in the bar chart?
(A) The trend can be explained by improvements in political participation and voting in all regions.
(B) The trend can be explained by rural to urban migration and the growth of cities in all regions.
(C) The trend can be explained by industrialization and improved job opportunities.
(D) The trend can be explained by improved health care and nutrition in all regions.
(E) The trend can be explained by improvements in communications and Internet access.

Answer D

Correct. Improved access to health care and nutrition impacts the time period before, during, and after

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pregnancy and therefore has the most significant impact on the decline in infant mortality rates.

41.

BRAZIL

Which of the following describes information a geographer could identify from the map of urban populations in
Brazil?
(A) Urban areas with rapid population growth
(B) Distribution of high and low incomes
(C) Areas with negative population growth
(D) Patterns of arithmetic density within specific regions
(E) Urban areas most at risk for overpopulation

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Answer D

Correct. The map shows patterns of high-population and low-population clusters, showing the population
distribution and higher arithmetic densities in coastal regions of Brazil.

42. Which factor is most responsible for the increase in Japan’s dependency ratio?

(A) An increase in life expectancy

(B) An increase in the death rate
(C) An increase in the rate of natural increase
(D) A decrease in the doubling time
(E) An increase in the total fertility rate

43. Which of the following best explains an effect of migration within the United States between 1950 and 2010 ?
The mean center of the population of the United States shifted to the South and West as workers
(A)
migrated to areas with more jobs and a warmer climate.
Population increased in the industrial North because of large-scale migration of African Americans from
(B)
the South.
(C) Rapid suburbanization occurred in the Midwest as retirees migrated from the East Coast.
Large clusters of migrants from other countries settled in the South and West, leading to significant
(D)
population growth in this region.
Population increased in the northeastern United States as large numbers of college graduates moved to
(E)
this region to seek employment.

Answer A

Correct. Manufacturing jobs moved from the industrialized North to areas in the southern United States
beginning in the 1950s and increasing at a rapid rate throughout the early 2000s. Workers migrated to
these areas for jobs and for the warmer climate, shifting the mean population center of the United States
to the South and West.

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44. METROPOLITAN AREA POPULATION

1950 1990 2015 2035

City million million million million
City million million million million

Which of the following explains the pattern of growth in City relative to City ?
City is located in a less developed country and has high rates of rural-to-urban migration, whereas
(A)
City is located in a more developed country and has low rates of rural-to-urban migration.
City is located in a less developed country and has high rates of rural-to-urban migration, whereas
(B)
City is located in a more developed country and has low rates of rural-to-urban migration.
City is located in a less developed country and has a well-developed transportation system, whereas
(C)
City is located in a more developed country and has a limited transportation system.
City is located in a less developed country and has a well-developed transportation system, whereas
(D)
City is located in a more developed country and has a limited transportation system.
City is located in a more developed country and has a high number of urban amenities, whereas City
(E)
is located in a less developed country and has a limited number of urban amenities.

Answer A

Correct. City A is New York City, United States, and City B is Sao Paulo, Brazil. The statistics shown
for City A are characteristic of a city in a more developed country, where high rates of rural-to-urban
migration generally occurred earlier and have since slowed. The statistics shown for City B are
characteristic of a city in a less developed country, where high rates of rural-to-urban migration generally
occurred later and will continue into the future.

45. Which of the following characteristics applies to more-developed countries?

(A) Early stages of epidemiological transition
(B) Long life expectancies
(C) High total fertility rates
(D) Rapid population growth
(E) Early stages of the demographic transition

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46.

Birth Rates and Death Rates for Selected Regions

Birth Rate in 2017 (per 1,000 Death Rate in 2017 (per 1,000
Region
population) population)
South Asia 22 6
Eastern
11 13
Europe
North
14 7
America
East Asia 12 7
North Africa 28 6

Source: Population Reference Bureau

Based on the demographic transition model, which region is best described as exhibiting overall negative rates of
growth in stage 4?
(A) South Asia
(B) Eastern Europe
(C) North America
(D) East Asia
(E) Northern Africa

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Answer B

Correct. Negative growth regions are considered to be in late Stage 4 of the demographic transition
model. Certain Stage 4 countries have higher death rates than birth rates; these have been proposed as
Stage 5 countries. The only area with the majority of countries with a higher death rate than birth rate
would be formerly-communist eastern European countries such as Ukraine and Romania.

47. In which of the following contexts could a neo-Malthusian perspective most successfully explain population
characteristics?
(A) A country experiencing population decline, where birth rates are low
A country with a low rate of natural population increase, where a small percentage of citizens work in
(B)
agriculture
(C) A country with a high rate of natural population increase, where food supplies are at risk
A country experiencing significant out-migration, where economic conditions lead many job seekers to
(D)
move to other countries
(E) A country recovering from an environmental disaster, where infrastructure must be rebuilt

Answer C

Correct. A neo-Malthusian perspective argues that population growth may put a strain on resources such
as food supplies, requiring government intervention to reduce birth rates.

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BIRTH AND DEATH RATES GLOBALLY AND BY REGION IN AFRICA, 2018

Births per 1,000 Deaths per 1,000 Female/Male Life

Area

Population Population Expectancies

World 19 7 74/70 years

African continent 35 9 64/61 years
North Africa 26 6 74/71 years
Sub-Saharan Africa 37 9 62/59 years

Source: Population Reference Bureau

48. Which of the following best explains the significant difference in North Africa’s demographic data from the rest of
the African continent and North Africa’s closer similarity to global demographic data?
North African improvements in nutrition, health care, and sanitation have reduced birth and death rates
(A)
as well as improved life expectancies over time.
North African declines in nutrition, health care, and sanitation have resulted in higher birth rates but
(B)
have not affected death rates or life expectancies over time.
North African investment in transportation and energy sectors has reduced birth and death rates as well
(C)
as improved life expectancies over time.
Foreign investment in North Africa’s transportation and energy sectors has resulted in higher birth rates
(D)
but have not affected death rates or life expectancies over time.
North African business losses in transportation and energy sectors have resulted in higher birth rates but
(E)
have not affected death rates or life expectancies over time.

Answer A

Correct. Improvements in nutrition, health care, and sanitation have positively affected population
indicators, making North Africa more advanced in the demographic transition than the rest of Africa.

49. Physiological population density differs from crude population density in that physiological density

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examines only the population of cities, while crude density includes the population of cities and rural
(A)
areas
(B) is a measure of how density is perceived, while crude density is a measure of specific density
explains density in terms of people per arable square land unit, while crude density explains density in
(C)
terms of people per total square land unit
explains the density of a single housing unit while crude density explains the density of a group of
(D)
houses
(E) is the number of people per housing unit, while crude density is the number of people per square mile

50. Sri Lanka and Australia have about the same population. What data would help you determine which country has a
higher physiological population density?
(A) The area of each country
(B) The number of farmers in each country
(C) The total fertility rate of each country
(D) The amount of arid land in each country
(E) The amount of arable land in each country

51.

Which of the following best identifies the data for the Eastern Great Rift Valley, shown on the map?

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(A) High arithmetic density

(B) Low arithmetic density
(C) Low carrying capacity
(D) High total fertility rate
(E) Low total fertility rate

Answer A

Correct. As evidenced by the map, the Eastern Great Rift Valley has high arithmetic population densities
due to the presence of fertile volcanic soil and tropical wet/dry and slightly cooler highland climates.
These factors act in conjunction with one another to create a physical environment that can support
agriculture, resulting in higher populations.

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52.

POPULATION DENSITY PATTERNS

Source: Esri

Which of the following identifies how population density is shown in the maps?
(A) At different scales, showing administrative units
(B) In different types of physical regions
(C) In different types of culture regions
(D) In different types of vernacular regions
(E) At the same scale, showing different parts of the country

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Answer A

Correct. The maps show subdivisions within the state at the county, postal zip code, and census tract
scales of analysis.

53.

Source: United Nations and Population Reference Bureau

Based on the graph, predicted population growth in which of the following regions is explained by a high total
fertility rate?
(A) Asia
(B) Africa
(C) Latin America and Caribbean
(D) Europe
(E) United States and Canada

Answer B

Correct. Of the regions listed, Africa shows a high total fertility rate, starting with million and
growing to over billion, resulting in the addition of over billion people, or growth, from

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2000 to 2050.

54. TOTAL FERTILITY RATES

Country 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Canada 3.81 2.26 1.74 1.83 1.49 1.63
United States 3.65 2.48 1.84 2.08 2.06 1.93

Source: World Bank

WOMEN’S EDUCATION ATTAINMENT: PERCENT WITH HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR HIGHER

Country 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Canada 34.0% 58.5% 64.9% 73.9% 85.1% 91.1%
United States 42.5% 52.8% 65.8% 74.8% 80.7% 87.6%

Sources: Statistics Canada, United States Census Bureau

Based on the data shown in the tables, which of the following best describes the relationship between fertility and
education in the United States and Canada?
The decrease in the percent of women who are more highly educated results in a larger number of
(A)
children entering school.
The decrease in the percent of women who are more highly educated correlates with the decline in
(B)
fertility.
The increase in the percent of women who are more highly educated correlates with the increase in
(C)
fertility.
The increase in the percent of women who are more highly educated correlates with the decline in
(D)
fertility.
The increase in the percent of women who are more highly educated results in a larger number of
(E)
children entering school.

Answer D

Correct. The data show a decrease in fertility rates with a corresponding increase in women’s education
attainment.

55. In 2018, a large number of migrants from Afghanistan and Iraq applied for asylum in the European Union. Which of
the following is a pull factor that explains this migration?

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(A) A high rate of natural increase in the Middle East, leading to overpopulation
(B) Armed conflict, driving many people from their home regions in the Middle East
(C) Drought and food shortages in the Middle East, leading many people to search for food security
(D) Immigration reforms and fenced borders around Europe, controlling the flow of migrant workers
(E) Economic growth and employment opportunities in Europe, attracting immigrant workers

Answer E

Correct. Economic growth and employment opportunities are pull factors that attract people from their
home countries in the Middle East to destinations in Europe.

56. The early United States population was predominantly Protestant. In the nineteenth century, urban populations
became increasingly Roman Catholic, especially in the cities of the Northeastern United States. This shift in the
pattern of religion was caused by
(A) internal rural-to-urban migration from farming areas of the eastern United States
(B) transnational migration from Ireland, southern Germany, and Italy
(C) transnational migration from Latin America and the Caribbean
(D) religious conversion of urban residents
(E) out-migration of Protestants to rural farming areas of the Midwestern United States

Answer B

Correct. During the 1800s, migration from Roman Catholic regions of Europe resulted in the growth of
urban, Roman Catholic populations in the United States.

57. The dependency ratio is most useful for indicating the

(A) reliance of a country on imported fossil fuels
(B) degree of gender equality within a country
(C) relationship between the total fertility rate and the infant mortality rate
(D) percentage of foreign ownership within the secondary sector of a country’s economy
(E) relationship between the potential labor force and the remainder of a country’s population

58. The Malthusian view of the world argues that

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(A) the contemporary problem of famine in developing countries is a result of the colonial legacy
(B) the problem of population growth is a result of economic underdevelopment
(C) one way to solve population growth in developing countries is to reduce their foreign debt
(D) famine in developing countries can be explained by examining their patterns of population growth
(E) population growth is helpful to developing countries because it provides a larger rural workforce

59. A large number of Turkish people migrated to Germany in the 1960s, when West Germany’s manufacturing
economy was booming and Turkey’s economy was predominantly agricultural. Which of the following best
describes Turkish migration to Germany?
(A) Political asylum seekers fleeing Communism
(B) Involuntary migrants fleeing transnational wars
(C) Internal rural-to-urban migrants
(D) Internally displaced persons
(E) Voluntary guest workers

Answer E

Correct. Migrants from Turkey moved to Germany for employment opportunities as work in a
manufacturing-based economy offered financial opportunities not available in their home country. Such
migrations were voluntary, and Turkish migrants were considered guest workers.

60. The increasing percentage of urban dwellers in more-developed countries is best explained by

(A) greater access to job opportunities, resources, and facilities

(B) a critical need for workers in the primary economic sector
(C) an abundance of arable land for agricultural use
(D) a desire for more living space and a slower lifestyle
(E) inadequate health care and few educational resources

Answer A

Correct. Living in an urban areas provides residents with increased access to job opportunities and
resources/facilities for healthcare and education as compared with rural areas.

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61.

Source: United States Census Bureau

Which of the following explains how data from the population pyramid for Spain would be useful for government
policy makers?
Data on the annual number of legal immigrants would be used to establish policy on international
(A)
refugees.
(B) Data on voters’ party memberships would be used to locate target audiences during political campaigns.
Data on the population of adult women would be used to plan for the numbers of children starting
(C)
school.
(D) Data on the size of the rural population would be used to set up health clinics for the elderly.
Data on the size of the middle-aged population would be used to plan for retirement and social security
(E)
benefits.

Answer E

Correct. Population pyramids convey information about the population’s age distribution and trends in

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birth and death rates; therefore, data on the size of the middle-aged population would be useful in
planning for retirement and social security benefits.

62. POPULATION DATA BY COUNTRY LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT, 2018

Birth Rate Death Rate

Total Fertility Rate
per 1,000 Population per 1,000 Population
Core Countries 10 10 1.6
Semiperiphery Countries 21 7 2.6
Periphery Countries 33 8 4.2
Source: Population Reference Bureau
Based on the data shown in the table, which of the following accurately describes
changes in the roles of women as countries develop economically?
(A) More women work in agriculture
(B) More women leave the workforce
(C) More women work in professional jobs
(D) Fewer women enroll in secondary school
(E) Most women work in the home

Answer C

Correct. The lower birth rates, lower fertility rates, increased urban percentage, and higher life
expectancy in more developed countries compared with less developed countries indicate that more
women are working in professional jobs.

63. Which of the following types of countries are most likely challenged with the problems associated with a large
youth-dependent population, such as providing public primary education for all children?
(A) More developed countries
(B) Less developed countries
(C) Free market countries
(D) Landlocked countries
(E) Island countries

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Answer B

Correct. Primary education provision concerns less developed countries, which typically have a large
youth population percentage because of high birth rates.

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