Population Structure by Income Groups (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management): Revision Note
Exam code: 0680
Income groups
Countries around the world are at very different stages of economic development
To help compare economies fairly, the World Bank groups countries based on their income per person
These income levels strongly influence population structure, including birth rates, life expectancy and age distribution
By comparing an LIC and an HIC, clear patterns can be seen
Low-income countries (LICs)
Low-income countries have the lowest average income per person
$2.87 per day or $1,045 or less per annum
Many people live close to or below the poverty line
Economies are often based on agriculture and low-paid primary industries
Access to healthcare, education and clean water may be limited
Birth rates are usually high and life expectancy is often lower
Examples include Chad, Ethiopia, Burundi, Mali, Niger, Somalia, and Yemen
Middle-income countries (MICs)
Middle-income countries have moderate average incomes per person
Approximately $10.01–$20 per day or $3,654 to $7,300 per annum
The World Bank (WB) splits this group into lower-middle and upper-middle
Many are experiencing rapid industrialisation and urban growth, but still face inequality
A phenomenon known as the middle-income trap, where a country stagnates after rapid growth and cannot transition into a high-income economy due to rising wages and a lack of innovation
Living standards are improving, but income inequality may still be high
Healthcare and education are more widely available than in LICs
Birth rates are falling, but population growth often continues
Examples include India, Nigeria, Pakistan (lower-middle), China, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Indonesia, Russia (upper-middle)
High-income countries (HICs)
High-income countries have the highest average income per person
$20+ a day
Most people have a high standard of living
Economies are dominated by tertiary and quaternary industries
Healthcare, education and infrastructure are well developed
Birth rates are low and life expectancy is high
Examples include USA, Germany, Japan, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Switzerland
Population structure of HICs and LICs
Population structure varies greatly between countries at different stages of economic development
By comparing Nepal, a low-income country, with the USA, a high-income country, clear contrasts can be seen in age structure, dependency and future population challenges
These differences are best shown using population pyramids
Population structure of an LIC: Nepal
Nepal has a mainly expansive population pyramid, although the base is beginning to narrow slightly
The relatively wide base shows a moderately high birth rate, meaning many children are born each year
A large proportion of the population is under 15, creating a high youth dependency ratio
The pyramid narrows quickly with age, showing lower life expectancy compared to HICs
Limited access to healthcare, lower incomes and rural living conditions reduce survival into old age
This structure places pressure on education, healthcare and future employment opportunities
Population structure of an HIC: USA
The USA has a stationary moving to a slightly constrictive population pyramid
The narrower base shows lower birth rates, linked to family planning, higher living costs and female employment
A large working-age population supports the economy
Wider upper age groups show high life expectancy, due to advanced healthcare and nutrition
An increasing elderly population raises the old-age dependency ratio
This creates pressure on healthcare systems, pensions and social care services
Direct comparison of population structure
Nepal has a younger population, while the USA has an ageing population
Nepal faces challenges linked to providing schools, jobs and healthcare for a growing population
The USA faces challenges linked to supporting an elderly population and maintaining a large workforce
These contrasts reflect differences in income levels, healthcare access, education and economic development
Worked Example
Compare the population structure of Nepal and the USA.
[6 marks]
Answer
Nepal has an expansive population pyramid [1] with a relatively wide base, showing a high proportion of young people. [1] This creates a high youth dependency ratio and pressure on education and future employment. [1]
In contrast, the USA has a more stationary population pyramid with a narrower base, showing lower birth rates. [1]
The wider upper age groups show high life expectancy and an ageing population. [1]
As a result, Nepal faces challenges linked to population growth, while the USA faces challenges linked to supporting elderly dependants. [1]
Marking guidance
The command word ‘compare’ means the answer needs to identify both similarities and differences between two or more things.
Mark allocation
Up to 3 marks for the accurate description of Nepal’s population structure.
Up to 2 marks for the accurate description of the USA’s population structure.
1 mark for a clear comparison or consequence.
Examiner tips
Always name the case study countries.
Refer to specific features of the population pyramid.
Make direct comparisons rather than writing two separate descriptions.
Link population structure to real-life challenges.
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