Population Growth (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Economics): Revision Note

Factors that affect population growth

• Population refers to all of the inhabitants of a particular country

• The population growth rate is the size of the change in the population of a country, expressed as a percentage 

• All countries have different rates of population growth

  • Population growth rates are currently highest in less economically developed countries such as Niger, Mali and Zambia

  • Population growth rates are lowest in more economically developed countries

  • In some MEDCs such as Italy and Japan, the population is decreasing as the number of deaths is higher than the number of births

• The following factors affect population growth:

1. Birth rate and death rate

• The annual birth rate is the number of people born per 1000 people

• The annual death rate is the number of people who die per 1000 people

  • A higher birth rate and lower death rate would both increase the population

2. Net migration rate

• The net migration rate is calculated as the difference between immigration and emigration

  • More immigration than emigration would increase the growth rate

Population changes between countries

• Birth rates (number of births per 1,000 people per year) tend to be higher in developing countries and lower in developed countries

• Death rates (number of deaths per 1,000 people per year) are often higher in countries with poor healthcare or older populations

• Net migration (the difference between immigration and emigration) can be positive or negative depending on a country’s job opportunities, safety, and quality of life

Reasons for differences in population indicators

Birth rates

• Higher in developing countries due to:

  • Limited access to contraception

  • Cultural or religious reasons favouring large families

  • Higher infant mortality (families have more children as a safeguard)

  • Children being seen as economic support in farming or informal work

• Lower in developed countries due to:

  • Better access to education and family planning

  • Women pursuing careers and marrying later

  • Higher cost of raising children

Death rates

• Higher in low-income countries due to:

  • Poor healthcare and sanitation

  • Limited access to clean water and medicine

  • Malnutrition or infectious diseases

• Lower in high-income countries due to:

  • Advanced healthcare systems

  • Better living standards and nutrition

  • Vaccination and public health programmes

Net migration

• Positive net migration (more people coming in) in countries with:

  • Higher wages and job opportunities

  • Political stability and safety

  • Better education and healthcare

• Negative net migration (more people leaving) in countries with:

  • Conflict, poor governance or human rights issues

  • High unemployment or poverty

  • Natural disasters or environmental problems