analyzing populations

Week 6 APHG

Demography

The scientific study of population characteristics, including their size, distribution, composition, density, growth, and the factors that influence these aspects.

Population Distribution

The pattern of where people live across a given area, showcasing how they are spread out geographically.

Population Density

The number of people per unit of land area, typically expressed as people per square kilometer or mile.

Ecumene

Inhabited land, or land people use for permanent homes and economic purposes.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population an environment can sustainably support indefinitely.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

The average number of children a woman is expected to have.

Doubling Time

The time it takes for a population to double in size at a constant growth rate.

Crude Birth Rate (CBR)

The number of live births per 1,000 people annually.

Crude Death Rate (CDR)

The number of deaths per 1,000 people annually.

Natural Increase Rate (NIR)

The percentage population growth per year (CBR minus CDR).

Child Mortality Rate (CMR)

Deaths per 1,000 children within the first five years of life.

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)

Deaths per 1,000 infants under one year of age.

Population Pyramids

A graph showing the distribution of age groups by sex in a population.

Population Composition

The characteristics of a group of people, such as age, sex, and occupation.

Age-Sex Distribution

A visual representation of a population's age and sex structure.

Dependency Ratio

The ratio of non-working age people (0-14 and 65+) to the working-age population (15-64).

Zero Population Growth (ZPG)

A state where the population size is stable, with birth and death rates (plus migration) being equal.

Cohort

A population group sharing a common characteristic, often age, treated as a statistical unit.

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

A model describing population change from high birth/death rates to low rates as a country develops.

Overpopulation

When the number of people exceeds the environment's capacity to support a decent standard of living.

Life Expectancy

The average number of years a person is expected to live.

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)

The number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

Underpopulation

A state where a country's population is too small to effectively utilize its resources.

Epidemiological Transition Model (ETM)

A model describing shifts in disease patterns as a country develops.

Thomas Malthus Theory

A theory suggesting population growth outpaces food production, potentially leading to crises.

Pronatalist Policies

Government policies encouraging higher birth rates.

Antinatalist Policies

Government policies discouraging high birth rates.

Neo-Malthusian

Modern followers of Malthus, often including concerns about resource depletion and environment.

Anti-Malthusian

Those who dispute Malthus's predictions, often citing technology and innovation.

Sex Ratios

The number of males per 100 females in a population.