THEME 1 FLASHCARDS

GEOGRAPHY

Carrying capacity

The number of people that an area can support

Underpopulation

Occurs when there are more resources available than the population can use effectively

Overpopulation

Occurs when there are more people in an area than can be supported by its resources and technology

Optimum population

When there is a balance between the number of people and the resources/technology available

Population explosion

A sudden and rapid increase in the size of the population

World's population

Increasing by approximately 80 million people a year

The UN predicts the world population will stabilise at around 11 billion in 2100.

Challenges of overpopulation

Overpopulation can lead to increased:

• Levels of pollution.

• Crime rates.

• Unemployment or underemployment.

• Levels of food and water shortages.

• Pressure on services such as hospitals and schools.

hat is the population growth rate in Nigeria?

Nigeria is experiencing rapid population growth at 2.5%.

• What is the main cause of Nigeria's rapidly increasing population?

  The high birth and fertility rates are the main cause of the rapidly increasing population.

• True or False?

  Canada's birth rate is 12 births per 1000.

  False.

  Canada's birth rate is 9 births per 1000.

• Give two impacts of under-population in Canada.

  There are several impacts of underpopulation in Canada, including:

  • Shortages of workers in many areas.

  • Low rates of unemployment.

  • An ageing population means more people of retirement age .

  • There are fewer workers to pay taxes.

  • Healthcare and other social costs increase as the population ages.

  • Resources are not fully exploited, reducing their potential .

  • Lack of services is due to low demand, particularly in rural areas.

• What is net migration?

  Net migration is the difference between the number of people moving into a country (immigrants) and the number of people leaving the country (emigrants).

• Define natural population change.

  Natural population change is the difference between the birth rate and the death rate in a population.

• What is the Demographic Transition Model?

  The Demographic Transition Model shows five main stages of population change that countries pass through as they develop.

• True or False?

  In Stage 1 of the Demographic Transition Model, both birth rates and death rates are high.

  True.

  In Stage 1 of the Demographic Transition Model, both birth rates and death rates are high.

• What happens to the total population in Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model?

  In Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model, the total population starts to rise rapidly.

• Define the term fertility rate.

  Fertility rate is the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime.

• What is a pronatalist policy?

  A pronatalist policy is one that encourages women to have children and increases the fertility rate.

• True or False?

  An anti-natalist policy aims to increase the birth rate.

  False.

  An anti-natalist policy aims to reduce the birth rate.

• What is the fertility replacement rate?

  The fertility replacement rate is 2.1 children per woman.

• Define the term natural decrease.

  Natural decrease occurs when the birth rate is lower than the death rate in a population.

• Give two reasons why the death rate in Niger has decreased.

  The decreasing death rate has been the result of:

  • Increased urbanisation - which improves access to services such as healthcare and food.

  • Better food and clean water supply.

  • Improved access to healthcare.

  • Government policies to improve farming practices which have increased food supplies.

  • Free healthcare to pregnant women improving mother and baby survival rates.

• What are the four main impacts of an ageing population in Japan?

  The four main impacts of the ageing population in Japan are:

  • Shortage of workers.

  • Higher taxes.

  • School closures.

  • Economic stagnation.

• What is the main aim of anti-natalist policies?

  The main aim of anti-natalist policies is to reduce population increase. This will then decrease the pressure on resources and improve the quality of life for the whole population.

• Define pro-natalist policies.

  Pro-natalist policies are policies aimed at increasing the population.

• True or False?

  China's one-child policy was in effect from 1979 to 2016.

  True.

  China's one-child policy was in effect from 1979 to 2016.

• What is one reason countries implement pro-natalist policies?

  One reason countries implement pro-natalist policies may include:

  • Trying to balance an ageing population which increases social and healthcare costs.

  • A workforce shortage.

  • Reduced payment of taxes due to fewer workers.

• Name two countries that have implemented pro-natalist policies.

  Countries that have implemented pro-natalist policies include:

  • France.

  • Singapore.

  • Sweden.

  • Russia.

• What is one measure used in France to encourage larger families?

  Measures used in France to encourage larger families include:

  • Discounts on public transport for families with three or more children.

  • Increased paid maternity leave.

  • Better mortgage deals.

  • Tax allowances.

  • Free childcare from 3 to school age.

  • Cash incentives for mothers who stay at home to care for children.

  • Subsidised holidays.

• True or False?

  Anti-natalist policies always involve legal measures.

  False.

  Anti-natalist policies can be law or voluntary.

• What was one method used in China's one-child policy to reduce birth rates?

  Methods used in China's one-child policy to reduce birth rates included:

  • Fines for having more than one child.

  • Increased access to contraceptives.

  • Posters and advertisements to promote the advantages of having only one child.

  • Better employment opportunities.

  • No payment for healthcare/education for second children.

  • Promotion of late marriages.

  • Legalised abortion.

• Define the term baby bonus.

  A baby bonus is a financial incentive given to parents for having a child, used as a pro-natalist measure in some countries like Singapore.

• What is one impact of China's one-child policy?

  Impacts of China's one-child policy include:

  • Imbalance in the male/female ratio due to the preference for male children.

  • There are over 30 million more men under 20 than women under 20.

  • Decrease in population growth rate.

  • An ageing population.efine the term migration.

    Migration is the movement of people across an official boundary, either internationally or nationally, with the intention of creating a permanent place of residence.

  • True or False?

    Immigration and emigration mean the same thing.

    False.

    Immigration is the inward movement of people into a country, while emigration is the outward movement of people out of a country.

  • What are push factors?

    Push factors are the realities of the current situation for migrants that make them consider moving from their place of origin.

  • What are pull factors?

    Pull factors are the perceived (thought-of) outcomes that migrants imagine the move will bring to their place of destination.

  • Define involuntary migration.

    Involuntary migration is when a migrant has no choice but to leave their place of origin, usually due to factors such as war, persecution, or natural disasters.

  • What is an internally displaced person?

    An internally displaced person is someone who has been forced to flee their home but remains within their country's borders.

  • Define counter-urbanisation.

    Counter-urbanisation is the process of people migrating from urban areas into rural regions.

  • True or False?

    Most international migration is between developed countries.

    False.

    The majority of movement is between developing and developed countries.

  • What is a migration corridor?

    A migration corridor is a distinct pattern of movement between two countries or regions that has developed over time due to economic, demographic and geographical factors.

  • Define remittances.

    Remittances are financial transfers that migrants make to their countries of origin, frequently to support family members or make investments in their local communities.

  • What is the brain-drain effect?

    The brain-drain effect is the reduction of a skilled workforce in a country due to the emigration of educated and talented individuals.

  • Define remittances.

    Remittances are financial transfers that migrants send back to their country of origin, frequently to help out family members or make investments in their local communities.

  • True or False?

    Remittances always have a negative impact on the country of origin.

    False.

    Remittances can have positive impacts, such as reducing poverty, increasing investment, and boosting the local economy.

  • What is cultural assimilation?

    Cultural assimilation is the process by which migrants adapt to the culture of their new country, often facing challenges in language and customs.

  • Define the multiplier effect in relation to remittances.

    The multiplier effect is the economic impact created when remittances are spent or invested in the local community, boosting other families' incomes and creating new opportunities.

  • What is depopulation?

    Depopulation is the reduction in population of an area, often occurring in rural regions due to outward migration.

  • True or False?

    International migration always leads to job competition in the destination country.

    False.

    There can be competition for jobs, but international migrants can also fill labour gaps and create new job opportunities.

  • What is cultural enrichment?

    Cultural enrichment is the positive impact of migration, where diverse cultures contribute to and enhance the cultural landscape of the destination country.

  • Define xenophobia.

    Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers, which can lead to discrimination and tensions in areas receiving migrants.

  • What is the globalisation bottom-up effect?

    The globalisation bottom-up effect is the positive impact that remittances have on developing countries and can account for a large portion of their GDP and help reduce poverty.

  
  

• What is the population structure?

  Population structure is the characteristics of a population, including the distribution of age, sex, ethnicity, religion etc.

• What is a population pyramid?

  A population pyramid is a graph used to display the gender and age structure of a given population.

• True or False?

  LEDCs like Niger typically have a concave pyramid shape.

  True.

  LEDCs like Niger typically have a concave pyramid shape.

• What does a column-shaped population pyramid indicate?

  A column-shaped population pyramid indicates a country in Stage 4 of the demographic transition model, with a decreasing birth rate, increasing life expectancy, and a larger working-age population.

• Define the term dependency ratio.

  The dependency ratio is the ratio of the dependent population (young and old) to the working-age population.

• What are the three implications of an ageing population?

  Three implications of an ageing population are:

  • Increased pension payments

  • Greater need for care homes

  • Increased pressure on healthcare services

• True or False?

  Migration cannot lead to an imbalance in population structure.

  False.

  Migration can lead to an imbalance in population structure, as seen in countries like the UAE.

• What does a narrowing base in a population pyramid indicate?

  A narrowing base in a population pyramid indicates a decreasing birth rate.

• What population issues can be identified using a population pyramid?

  The issues which can be identified using a population pyramid are:

  • Ageing populations.

  • Falling birth rates.

  • Impacts of migration.

• Why has the death rate in Japan increased?

  The death rate in Japan is 11.1 per 1000 

  • The death rate has increased from 6 per 1000 in 1979.

  • This is not because healthcare or diets are worse but because there are far more elderly people who are more likely to become ill and die.

What is population distribution?

Population distribution is the way in which the global population is spread across the world.

• How is population density calculated?

  Population density is calculated by dividing the total population by the total area.

• True or False?

  Climate has no effect on population density.

  False.

  Climate affects population density, with lower densities typically found in colder regions and tropical deserts.

• Name two physical factors that affect population density.

  A range of physical factors may affect population density, including:

  • Water supply.

  • Relief.

  • Natural resources.

  • Soil quality.

  • Climate.

• What is the world's most densely populated country?

  Monaco is the world's most densely populated country, with 26 337 people per km² (2022).

• Define the term sparsely populated.

  Sparsely populated refers to areas with a low population density, where few people live relative to the land area.

• True or False?

  Economic factors can influence population density.

  True.

  Economic factors, such as job availability, can influence population density.

• What was the approximate world population density in 2022?

  The approximate world population density in 2022 was 59.27 people per km².

• Name two human factors that affect population density.

  There are a range of human factors that affect population density, including:

  • Political factors.

  • Social factors.

  • Cultural factors.

  • Economic factors.

• What is the main reason for Singapore's high population density?

  The main reason for Singapore's high population density is its small land area of only 716 km², which means the population is living in a limited amount of space.
  Define the term settlement.

  A settlement is a place where people live and carry out a range of activities, such as trade, manufacturing, and agriculture.

• What is a dispersed settlement?

  A dispersed settlement is where isolated houses or farms are set in fields or along roads rather than concentrated in one area.

• True or False?

  Linear settlements only develop along rivers.

  False.

  Linear settlements can develop along rivers, railways, major roads, or other features.

• What is a nucleated settlement?

  A nucleated settlement is one where buildings tightly cluster around a central feature, such as a village green, a crossroad, or a church.

• True or False?

  Villages and hamlets have high population densities and small, settled areas.

  False.

  Villages and hamlets have low population densities and small, settled areas.

• True or False?

  The site is the physical land that a settlement is built on.

  True.

  The site is the physical land that a settlement is built on.

• What is meant by the situation of a settlement?

  The situation can be thought of as the position of the settlement in relation to other features, such as a forest, a lake, etc.

• What is the disadvantage of building on level ground?

  A settlement is harder to defend on level ground.

• Define a dry point site.

  A dry point site is when a settlement site is elevated above natural, poorly drained land.

• True or False?

  A wet point site is when there is no reliable supply of water from a well or spring.

  False.

  A wet point site is when there is a reliable supply of water from a well or spring.

• Define the term spring-line settlement.

  A spring-line settlement is a settlement that develops along the path of available springs or wells, particularly at the foot of chalk and limestone hills.

• What factors affect the growth of settlements?

  Factors that affect the growth of settlements include:

  • Moderate climate.

  • Availability of raw materials.

  • Near to fertile land.

  • Central location.

  • Historical factors, such as a seat of government.

• True or False?

  Settlements always have multiple functions.

  False?

  Settlements usually have one function to start with and then develop others over time.

• Before the 1970s, what was Liverpool's major function?

  Before the 1970s, Liverpool's major function was as a maritime port of trade.

• Why did Liverpool's waterfront site lose its World Heritage Site status in 2021?

  Named a World Heritage Site in 2004, Liverpool's waterfront lost that designation in 2021 because the site's redevelopment did not keep the waterfront true to its maritime roots.

• Define the term sphere of influence.

  The sphere of influence is the area that a settlement serves, also known as a catchment area.

• What is the threshold population?

  Threshold population is the minimum number of people necessary before a particular good or service will be provided in an area.

• True or False?

  All settlements offer the same functions and services.

  False.

  All settlements offer certain functions and services, such as the basics of milk, bread, eggs, etc. but not everything.

• What are low-order goods?

  Low-order goods are things that are bought regularly, such as milk or bread, and people are not prepared to travel far to buy them.

• Define high-order goods.

  High-order goods are comparison goods such as electrical goods and furniture that shoppers will buy only after making comparisons between various models and different shops.

• True or False?

  The larger the settlement, the greater its sphere of influence.

  True.

  Generally, the larger the settlement, the greater its sphere of influence, although there can be exceptions.

• What is the pyramid of settlement hierarchy ?

  A settlement hierarchy pyramid shows how settlements are ordered and classified. The pyramid is based on three principles:

  • The population size increases.

  • The number of services provided increases.

  • The number of settlements decreases.

• State the settlement hierarchy pathway.

  The settlement hierarchy pathway is:

  • Dispersed or isolated homes.

  • Hamlets.

  • Villages.

  • Market towns.

  • Large towns.

  • Cities.

  • Conurbations.

  • Megacities.

• True or False?

  The central business district (CBD) is typically located in the suburban zone of a city.

  False.

  The central business district (CBD) is typically located in the central core of a city.

• Define the term urban fringe.

  Urban fringe is the outer edge of a city where the countryside is eroded through urban spread/sprawl.

• What does CBD stand for?

  CBD stands for Central Business District.

• State the meaning of peak land value.

  Peak land value refers to areas in a city where land is most expensive, typically in the CBD or along major transportation routes.

• What is bid-rent theory?

  Bid-rent theory is a concept that explains how land use and land values change as the distance from the CBD increases.

• Define gentrification.

  Gentrification is the process of changing a neighbourhood from low to high value, often forcing out poorer residents as wealthier people move in and renovate properties.

• What is the inner city zone?

  The inner city zone is a 'frame' to the inner core, which developed as the core developed, often containing older, compact housing and industrial areas.

• True or False?

  Land values typically increase from the city centre outward.

  False.

  Land values typically decrease from the city centre outward.

• Define the term suburban zone.

  The suburban zone is a residential area surrounding the inner city, often characterised by lower-density housing and more green spaces.

• What is urban sprawl?

  Urban sprawl is the outward spread of a city and its suburbs into rural areas, often characterised by low-density development.

• Define urban blight.

  Urban blight is the decline of buildings and older areas of cities. Also known as urban decay.

• What is urban redevelopment?

  Urban redevelopment is the process of improving an urban area through demolishing, reconstructing, or substantially renovating existing buildings and infrastructure.

• Define the term brownfield site.

  A brownfield site is a previously developed area of land that is not currently in use, is often contaminated and requires a clean-up before redevelopment.

• True or False?

  Urban renewal and urban redevelopment are the same thing.

  False.

  Urban renewal involves improving existing buildings and infrastructure, while urban redevelopment involves more substantial changes, including demolition and reconstruction.

• What does UDC stand for?

  UDC stands for Urban Development Corporation.

• What is a science park?

  A science park is a purpose-built area designed to encourage research and development (R&D), high-tech industries, and other quaternary activities, often located close to a university and transport networks.

• True or False?

  Urban sprawl is generally considered to be a positive outcome of urban growth.

  False.

  Urban sprawl is generally considered a negative outcome of unchecked urban growth, leading to issues such as the loss of farmland and increased pollution.

• Define counter-urbanisation.

  Counter-urbanisation is the movement of people from urban areas to rural areas, often contributing to growth at the urban fringe.

• What is a retail park?

  A retail park is a concentration of retail stores and leisure facilities, typically located on the outskirts of a town or city, with easy access and ample parking.

• State the meaning of deindustrialisation.

  Deindustrialisation is the decline of a region's traditional manufacturing industries, often leading to economic and social changes in urban areas.

• What is urban sustainability?

  Urban sustainability is the practice of creating and maintaining cities that balance social, economic, and environmental factors to provide a better quality of life for residents without compromising future generations.

• Define the term ecological footprint.

  An ecological footprint is a measure of human impact on the environment, specifically the amount of land and water area required to support an individual or population's consumption and absorb their waste.

• True or False?

  Light pollution only affects humans.

  False.

  Light pollution affects both humans and nocturnal animals, disrupting sleep patterns and natural behaviours.

• What is an ecotown?

  An ecotown is a sustainable urban development designed to reduce its overall environmental footprint and encourage strong community ties through features like energy-efficient homes and green spaces.

• Define the term greenbelt.

  Greenbelts are buffer zones within urban areas and between urban and rural spaces. It is a planning restriction to maintain green areas and prevent urban sprawl.

• True or False?

  Brownfield sites are always more expensive to develop than greenfield sites.

  False.

  While brownfield sites can be more expensive due to clean-up costs, they may have existing infrastructure that reduces overall development costs.

• What is the informal sector?

  The term informal sector refers to economic activities that the state does not regulate or protect and that frequently employ a large number of people in LEDCs.

• Define urban sprawl.

  Urban sprawl is the outward spread of a city and its suburbs into rural areas, often characterised by low-density development and increased reliance on private transportation.

• What is a congestion charge?

  A congestion charge is a fee charged to drivers who enter a designated urban area during peak traffic hours, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and pollution in city centres.

• What particular problem does the CBD have with land use?

  The CBD has a particular problem with the lack of space for development, the high cost of land, and meeting strict planning and government policies.

  Congestion and pollution are concentrated in the CBD, but they are also general urban issues.

• Define the term urbanisation.

  Urbanisation is the increase in the percentage of a population living in urban areas.

• What is a megacity?

  A megacity is an urban region with over 10 million residents.

• True or False?

  Natural increases account for about 40% of urban population growth.

  False.

  Natural increases account for about 60% of urban population growth.

• What does LEDC stand for?

  LEDC stands for Less Economically Developed Country.

• True or False?

  LEDCs have the highest rates of urbanisation at present.

  True.

  Most new economic development is concentrated in the big cities of LEDCs.

• What is the urbanisation pathway?

  The urbanisation pathway shows the rate of urbanisation as development occurs. It starts slowly, speeds up with rapid urbanisation, it then begins to slow and flatten out or decline as counter-urbanisation takes hold.

• True or False?

  World cities are always megacities.

  False.

  World cities can be any size but exert particular influences around the globe.

• What is suburbanisation?

  Suburbanisation is the process where towns grow outward, expanding the built-up area with lower building densities than in older parts of the town.

• Define agglomeration in the context of urban settlements.

  Agglomeration occurs when a number of people settle in one area to live and sell goods. This develops into small trading posts, and villages begin to grow.

• What is a dormitory settlement?

  A dormitory settlement is a place where people live but commute to work in a nearby town or city, maintaining links with the urban area they left.

• Define the term informal settlement.

  An informal settlement is unplanned and unregulated housing built on land that is not owned by the residents. The housing is typically built using scrap materials and lacks basic services like sanitation, clean water, and reliable energy.

• True or False?

  Megacities only exist in developed countries.

  False.

  Megacities exist in both developed and developing countries, with the largest growth of megacities seen in Asia.

• What is deprivation?

  Deprivation is a state where a person's well-being falls below an acceptable minimum standard in various aspects of daily life, beyond just lacking money.

• State the meaning of the cycle of poverty.

  The cycle of poverty is a situation where poverty and its effects are passed on from one generation to the next, making it difficult for families to improve their circumstances.

• Define the term mega-slum.

  A mega-slum is a very large, overcrowded, impoverished area usually found within megacities, housing millions of people in poor living conditions.

• What is the informal economy?

  The informal economy is economic activity that occurs outside of government regulation, often involving unskilled, labour-intensive jobs that require little money to set up.

• True or False?

  Urban congestion is consistent throughout the day and week.

  False.

  Urban congestion varies over the week, time of day, the weather, and the season.

• What is a suburbanised village?

  A suburbanised village is a formerly quiet, independent rural area near large urban centres that has transformed due to urban expansion, featuring new housing estates, improved transport links, and urban-style services.

• Define counter-urbanisation.

  Counter-urbanisation is the movement of people from an urban area into the surrounding rural region.

• State two issues with rapid and unplanned urbanisation.

  Rapid and unplanned urbanisation creates a range of problems, including:

  • Poor housing.

  • Deprivation/inequality.

  • Unemployment.

  • Congestion, poor transport, crime, and poor environmental quality issues.

• What is a self-help scheme?

  A self-help scheme is a programme that provides people with tools, training, and low-interest loans to improve their own homes in informal settlements.

• Define a site-and-service scheme.

  A site-and-service scheme is a programme that provides people with a piece of land with basic services on a new or cleared site, along with low-interest loans to buy materials for building their homes.

• True or False?

  Bulldozing informal settlements always improves the living conditions of residents.

  False.

  Bulldozing informal settlements without providing alternative housing can leave residents homeless and worsen their living conditions.

• What does KENSUP stand for?

  KENSUP stands for Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme.

• Define carbon dioxide (CO₂) in terms of urban pollution.

  In terms of urban pollution, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a significant greenhouse gas that comes from power plants, industrial processes, domestic heating, and vehicle emissions.

• What is particulate matter?

  Particulate matter is a type of air pollutant consisting of small particles and liquid droplets, often produced by diesel vehicles, open fires, and construction dust in urban areas.

• State the meaning of ground-level ozone.

  Ground-level ozone is a pollutant formed by the reaction of vehicle exhaust gases with sunlight, leading to photochemical smog and causing eye and chest irritation.

• What is visual pollution?

  Visual pollution is the degradation of the visual environment in urban areas, including ugly buildings, graffiti, derelict land, and litter.

• True or False?

  Noise pollution only affects people's hearing.

  Noise pollution can cause stress, lack of sleep, reduced concentration, and decreased work performance.

• Define the Favela Bairro Project.

  The Favela Bairro Project is a site-and-service scheme in Rio de Janeiro that provides residents from favelas with brick houses to rent or buy, built with electricity, running water, and sanitation, along with other basic services.