GCSE Geography Theme 7.2.1

Changing Population in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is characterized by predominantly Low-Income Countries (LICs) with high birth rates and death rates.
• Nigeria, an Newly industrialized country (NIC) in Western Africa, exemplifies this population structure.

Interpreting Nigeria's Population Pyramid:

• Wide Base: Indicates a high birth rate due to:
  • Lack of contraception.
  • The need for child labor.
  • High infant mortality rate.
• Decreasing Population with Age: Indicates a high death rate due to:
  • Disease.
  • Poor living and working conditions.
  • Lack of healthcare.

Changing Populations in South Asia

• Pakistan, an NIC, shows a different population structure.

Interpreting Pakistan's Population Pyramid:

• High but Decreasing Death Rate: Bars decrease in size more slowly, indicating:
  • Improved healthcare.
  • Improved sanitation.
  • Improved diet.
  • Increased life expectancy.
• Wide Base Indicates High but Decreasing Birth Rate:
  • Improvements in healthcare.
  • Reduced infant mortality.
  • Reduced need for child labor.
• Improved Rights for Women: Contribute to a reduced birth rate as women focus on education and careers.

Birth Rates

• The number of global births continues to increase, particularly in SSA.
• In South Asia (SA), the number of births is beginning to slow.

Factors Affecting Birth Rates:

• Higher Birth Rates:
  • Lack of contraception.
  • High infant mortality.
  • Child labor.
• Lower Birth Rates:
  • Improved women’s rights.
  • Later marriage.
  • Education about benefits of smaller families.

Death Rates

• As life expectancy increases, the number of deaths reduces, leading to an overall increase in the global population.

Reasons for Decreasing Death Rates:

• Improved health and nutrition.
• Improved medical care.
• Vaccination programs.
• Better maternal and infant healthcare.
• Improved sanitation.
• Better responses to global hazards such as drought and famine.