Geography and Case Studies Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to Geography and Population Studies, focusing on terms associated with population dynamics, migration, and urbanization.

Over-population

A situation where a country has a population too large for its resources, leading to issues like poverty and inadequate services.

Under-population

A scenario where a country has fewer people than it can support, often leading to surplus resources and a need for migration.

Natural Population Growth

The increase in the population of a country due to a higher birth rate than death rate.

Dependency Ratio

The ratio of dependents (young and elderly) to the economically active population.

Urbanisation

The process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas.

Migration

The movement of people from one place to another, often for economic or safety reasons.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

The total monetary value of all goods and services produced in a country within a specific time period.

High-Order Services

Specialized services that are usually found in larger cities and require a larger population base to be economically viable.

Floodplain

An area of land near a river that can be flooded, typically fertile and suitable for agriculture.

Deforestation

The clearing or thinning of forests by humans in order to make the land available for other uses.

What impact does overpopulation have on a country's resources?

Overpopulation can lead to decreased availability of resources, increased poverty, crowded living conditions, and strain on services such as health care and education.

What are potential solutions to under-population?

Potential solutions include incentivizing immigration, promoting higher birth rates through family-friendly policies, and enhancing local job opportunities.

What is the significance of a high dependency ratio?

A high dependency ratio indicates that there are more dependents compared to the working-age population, which can strain economic resources and limit growth potential.

How does urbanisation affect economic development?

Urbanisation can lead to increased economic development as it often fosters job creation, innovation, and improved infrastructure, but it can also result in challenges like congestion and pollution.

What are the primary reasons for migration?

Primary reasons for migration include economic opportunity, escaping conflict or persecution, and family reunification.

How can GDP be used to assess a country's economic health?

GDP is a key indicator of economic health, reflecting the total value of goods and services produced; rising GDP suggests a growing economy, while a declining GDP may indicate economic issues.

Why are high-order services important in urban areas?

High-order services enhance the economy by providing specialized jobs, attracting talent, and generating higher tax revenues, which can fund public services.

What role does floodplain agriculture play in food production?

Floodplain agriculture benefits from nutrient-rich sediments deposited by floods, making it highly productive and essential for local food supply.

What are the environmental effects of deforestation?

Deforestation can lead to loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and soil degradation

What is the population of China as of 2023?

Approximately 1.41 billion people.

What is the population density of India?

India has a population density of about 464 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated countries.

Which country has the highest GDP in the world?

The United States, with a GDP of approximately $25 trillion.

What country has the largest land area?

Russia, covering approximately 17.1 million square kilometers.

What is Germany's GDP per capita as of 2023?

Around $45,000.

Which country has the highest life expectancy?

Japan, with a life expectancy over 84 years.

What is the biggest economy in Africa?

Nigeria, with a GDP of around $450 billion.

Which country has the lowest population density?

Mongolia, with about 2 people per square kilometer.

What country is known for the largest number of languages spoken?

Papua New Guinea, with over 800 languages.

What is the annual immigration rate for Canada?

Approximately 0.9% of its population annually.

What is the current population of India as of 2023?

Approximately 1.43 billion people.

What is the population density of Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has a population density of about 1,265 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated countries.

Which country has the second highest GDP in the world?

China, with a GDP of approximately $17 trillion.

What is the land area of Canada?

Canada covers approximately 9.98 million square kilometers.

What is the GDP per capita for Switzerland as of 2023?

Around $87,000.

Which country has a life expectancy of approximately 82 years?

Switzerland, with a life expectancy over 82 years.

What is the GDP of Brazil?

Brazil has a GDP of around $2 trillion.

Which country has the highest population growth rate?

Niger, with a population growth rate of about 3.8% per year.

What is the average age of the population in Germany?

The average age in Germany is approximately 47 years.

What is the unemployment rate in South Africa as of 2023?

The unemployment rate in South Africa is around 34%.

What are the major problems associated with overpopulation?

Major problems include resource depletion, increased pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and heightened competition for jobs and services.

What solutions can be implemented to mitigate overpopulation?

Solutions include family planning education, increased access to contraceptives, and policies to promote sustainable resource use.

What challenges does underpopulation present to a country?

Challenges include labor shortages, economic decline, and difficulties in maintaining public services.

What solutions can address underpopulation issues?

Solutions involve incentivizing immigration, improving fertility rates through supportive family policies, and creating job opportunities.

How does urbanization contribute to housing shortages?

Urbanization leads to increased demand for housing, outpacing supply and resulting in higher costs and homelessness.

What are strategies to combat housing shortages in urban areas?

Strategies include increasing affordable housing projects, improving zoning laws, and investing in public transportation.

What environmental issues arise from deforestation?

Deforestation leads to biodiversity loss, climate change, soil erosion, and disruption of the water cycle.

What measures can combat deforestation?

Measures include implementing sustainable forestry practices, enforcing anti-logging laws, and promoting reforestation efforts.

What are the main consequences of pollution?

Consequences include health problems, environmental degradation, and economic losses due to decreased productivity.

What actions can be taken to reduce pollution?

Actions include stricter regulations on emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and increasing public awareness on environmental issues.

How does climate change impact food security?

Climate change affects agricultural productivity through extreme weather, altering growing seasons and reducing crop yields.

What solutions can enhance food security in the face of climate change?

Solutions include adopting climate-resilient crops, improving agricultural techniques, and strengthening food distribution systems.

What social issues are exacerbated by economic inequality?

Economic inequality can lead to increased crime rates, reduced access to education, and poorer health outcomes.

What can be done to address economic inequality?

Solutions include implementing progressive tax systems, increasing minimum wages, and providing access to quality education.

What problems does inadequate healthcare access create?

Inadequate healthcare leads to increased morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations.

What solutions can improve healthcare access?

Solutions involve expanding coverage through government programs, increasing the number of healthcare providers, and improving facilities.

How does water scarcity affect communities?

Water scarcity leads to health issues, food insecurity, and social conflict over resources.

What solutions can tackle water scarcity?

Solutions include improving water conservation techniques, investing in desalination technology, and enhancing water management practices.

What are the implications of high unemployment rates?

High unemployment can lead to increased poverty, social unrest, and diminished economic growth.

What strategies can help reduce unemployment?

Strategies include investing in job training programs, supporting small businesses, and stimulating economic growth through infrastructure projects.

What are the challenges associated with rapid migration?

Challenges include cultural integration, strain on public services, and potential societal tensions.

What can be done to facilitate better integration of migrants?

Solutions include providing language classes, job placement assistance, and community programs to promote cultural exchange.