The Demographic Transition Model

These flashcards cover key concepts of the Demographic Transition Model and the Epidemiological Transition Model, providing definitions and characteristics of different stages.

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

Model used by geographers to analyze and predict trends in population growth and decline.

Stage 1 Characteristics

High Birth Rate, High Death Rate, Short life expectancy, famine, disease, warfare; low population growth; large youth population. No countries are in this stage.

Stage 2 Characteristics

High Birth Rate; Death Rate begins to decrease; improved nutrition, sanitation, and medicines; rapid population growth.

Stage 3 Characteristics

Declining Birth Rate; people choose smaller families; longer life expectancy; slower population growth. Examples include India and South American countries.

Stage 4 Characteristics

Low Birth Rate; Low Death Rate; long life expectancy; aging population; total population growth is minimal. Examples include Canada and the USA.

Stage 5 Characteristics

Zero Population Growth (ZPG) or declining population; very low birth rate; high elderly dependency ratio. Examples include Japan and Western Europe.

Epidemiological Transition Model (ETM)

Predictable stages in disease and life expectancy that countries experience as they move through DTM stages.

Pestilence & Famine

Stage 1 of the ETM where people die of infectious diseases and starvation.

Receding Pandemics

Stage 2 of the ETM where infectious diseases decline due to new medical advances and sanitation.

Degenerative Diseases

Stage 3 of the ETM associated with aging and lifestyle, such as heart disease and cancer.

Delayed Degenerative Diseases

Stage 4 of the ETM where people still die of diseases like cancer and heart disease, but not until they are older.

Reemergence of Infectious Diseases

The phenomenon where bacteria and parasites become resistant to antibiotics and new viruses like COVID-19 emerge.