4. Population

Population Overview

Definition of Population

Population refers to the number of people living in a defined area. As of May 2018, the global population is approximately 7.6 billion.

Key Population Parameters

• Distribution: Geographic spread of a population (globally or regionally).

• Numbers: Total count of individuals in specified areas (towns, regions, countries).

• Density: Number of people per unit area, usually per square kilometer (km²).

• Change: Increases and decreases in population over time.

Natural Population Change

Natural changes in population are influenced by:

• Birth Rate: Live births per 1,000 people annually.

• Death Rate: Deaths per 1,000 people annually.

• Infant Mortality Rate: Deaths of infants under one year per 1,000 live births.

• Total Fertility Rate: Average number of children born to a woman during her reproductive years.

• Natural Increase Rate: Percentage change in population, derived from birth and death rates.

Health, Mortality, and Morbidity as Indicators of Development

• Health Indicators: Mortality rates reflect the number of deaths per unit of population, measured per 1,000 individuals. Morbidity is assessed through disease incidence or prevalence.

• Variations in Mortality Patterns: Mortality rates often reflect socioeconomic conditions, with higher rates in low-income regions but lower infant mortality rates in high-income countries.

Patterns of Morbidity

Morbidity varies by region:

• HICs experience more non-communicable diseases, whereas LICs face higher rates of infectious diseases.

Fertility Dynamics

Fertility rates are lower in HICs compared to LICs, influenced by access to contraception and women's empowerment, as described in the Demographic Transition Model (DTM).

Population Structure and Dependency Ratios

• Population Structure: Defined by age, gender, and the ratio of economically active individuals to dependents.

• Dependency Ratio: Indicates societal pressure; a higher ratio means more dependents per working individual.

Issues Related to Elderly and Youthful Populations

• Elderly Populations: A growing elderly demographic leads to higher healthcare costs and lower tax revenues.

• Youthful Populations: Many young dependents necessitate investment in education and healthcare, straining public services.

Age-Sex Composition and Demographic Transition Model

• Population Pyramids: These graphs illustrate age and sex distribution, indicating development stages. LICs typically have broad bases due to high fertility, while HICs have wider tops.

• Demographic Transition Model Stages: Outlines population evolution from high birth and death rates (Stage 1) to stability and potential decline (Stage 5).

Life Expectancy and Development

High-income countries (HICs) report higher life expectancies due to better healthcare, while low-income countries (LICs) experience lower life expectancies due to inadequate healthcare resources.

Food Security Concerns

• Food Security: Refers to the availability and accessibility of nutritious food, essential for health.

• Food Shortage Causes: Influenced by climate, financial issues, and political instability, leading to malnutrition.

Strategies to Ensure Food Security

• Enhancing Access: Improving access to international markets for food imports.

• Technological Advances: Implementing new agricultural technologies and practices.

• Efficiency Improvements: Enhancing farming efficiency through better resource management.

Factors Contributing to High Birth Rates in Low-Income Countries (LICs):

1. Limited Access to Contraception: Many LICs have inadequate access to family planning services, resulting in higher unplanned pregnancies.

2. Cultural and Religious Beliefs: In many communities, cultural norms and religious beliefs emphasize larger families, viewing children as a source of labor and support.

3. Low Educational Attainment: Lower levels of education, particularly among women, often correlate with higher birth rates, as education impacts knowledge and use of reproductive health services.

4. Economic Factors: In LICs, children may be seen as economic assets, contributing to family income through labor, which incentivizes larger families.

5. Health Care Access: Limited access to maternal healthcare services can lead to higher birth rates and a lack of information about reproductive health.

6. Mortality Rates: Higher infant and child mortality rates often lead families to have more children to ensure that some survive to adulthood.

7. Government Policies: Some governments in LICs may lack effective policies promoting family planning or controlling population growth, allowing higher birth rates to persist.