Population Dynamics
IGCSE (Year 10–11) 🏔️ Physical Geography Population growth, demographic transition model, population policies.
👥 Population Change
The world's population has grown rapidly, especially since the Industrial Revolution.
DTM Stage 1
High birth rate, high death rate. Low growth. e.g. Remote tribes. No longer exists at national scale.
DTM Stage 2
High birth rate, falling death rate. Rapid growth. e.g. South Sudan, Niger.
DTM Stage 3
Falling birth rate, low death rate. Slowing growth. e.g. Brazil, India.
DTM Stage 4
Low birth rate, low death rate. Near-stable. e.g. UK, USA.
Natural increase = birth rate − death rate | Population density = population ÷ area | Doubling time = 70 ÷ growth rate (%)
📊 Population Distribution and Policies
Population is unevenly distributed globally, and governments use policies to manage growth.
Sparse Population
Deserts, mountains, tundra, dense forests — harsh climates, poor soils, difficult terrain.
Dense Population
River valleys, coastal lowlands, temperate climate regions — fertile land, trade routes, employment.
Pro-natalist Policy
Encourages births (e.g. France — maternity benefits, tax incentives). Used in ageing, declining populations.
Anti-natalist Policy
Discourages births (e.g. China's One-Child Policy 1980–2015). Used in rapidly growing populations.
Doubling Time (Rule of 70)