Issues & Solutions of a Youthful Population

What are the main threats posed by a youthful population?

• Increased demand for health, education, food, housing, and water 🏥🏫

• Limited investment in agriculture and land availability 🌾

• Lack of economic growth due to high dependency ratio 📉

What are the solutions to a youthful population?

• Family planning policies → anti-natalist policies 🏠👶

• Encouraging immigration of workforce 🌍💼

• Expanding private education and healthcare 🏫🏥

What are the advantages of a youthful population?

• Large potential workforce in the future 👷‍♂

• Higher tax revenues → Improved infrastructure and foreign investment 💰

• Children support the elderly and contribute to family income 🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

What are the disadvantages of a youthful population?

• High unemployment due to lack of jobs 📉💼

• Emigration of the economically active, leaving behind a large elderly population 🏃‍♂🚢

What percentage of The Gambia’s population consists of young dependents?

44% of the population are young dependent

What is The Gambia’s fertility rate?

6%

What is The Gambia’s dependency ratio?

85 dependents per 1000 people

What are the cultural and religious influences on The Gambia’s high birth rate?

• 95% Muslim population, with large families being the norm.

• Traditional beliefs discourage birth control.

How does high infant mortality contribute to a youthful population in The Gambia?

70 infant deaths per 1000 births → Families have more children to compensate for high infant mortality.

What are the main challenges faced by The Gambia due to its youthful population?

• Overcrowding in urban areas 🏘

• Lack of sanitation leading to health issues 🚱

• High unemployment 📉

• Low wages and limited economic opportunities 💰

• Deforestation → Desertification 🌳🔥

• Schools operate a two-shift system due to lack of resources 🏫

• Malnutrition due to food shortages 🍽