Changing Populations: Key Terms (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography): Revision Note

Changing Population: Key Terms

Population Growth & Decline

Birth rate – The number of live babies born per 1,000 people in a year.

Death rate – The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.

Emigration – The act of leaving one country to live in another.

Fertility rate – The number of live births per 1,000 women aged 15–49 in a year.

Immigration – The act of moving into a country to live permanently.

Life expectancy – The average number of years a person is expected to live from birth.

Migration – The movement of people from one place to another, either within a country or between countries.

Natural increase – When the birth rate is higher than the death rate, causing the population to grow.

Net migration – The difference between the number of people entering and leaving a country.

Population explosion – A rapid increase in the size of the world population, especially during the 20th century.

Population growth rate – The rate at which a population increases or decreases in a year, usually shown as a percentage.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR) – The average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime.

Population Policies

Anti-natalist policy – A policy that aims to reduce birth rates and slow population growth.

Baby bonus – A financial reward given to parents for having children, used in countries like Singapore.

Contraception – Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy.

Family planning – Programmes that provide education and access to contraception to control family size.

One-child policy – A population control policy in China (1979–2016) which limited most families to having one child.

Pro-natalist policy – A policy designed to increase the birth rate and population size.

Singapore population policy – Switched from anti-natalist to pro-natalist in 1987, offering incentives like tax breaks and childcare.

Vietnam birth control campaign – Included limits on the number of children, fines, access to abortion and contraception, and public education.

The Demographic Transition Model

Demographic Transition Model (DTM) – A model showing how birth and death rates affect population growth as a country develops.

Stage 1 (High Stationary) – High birth and death rates; low total population growth due to poor healthcare, famine, and low life expectancy.

Stage 2 (Early Expanding) – Death rate falls due to improved healthcare and clean water; birth rate remains high, leading to rapid population growth.

Stage 3 (Late Expanding) – Birth rate starts to fall due to contraception, education, and urbanisation; population still grows but more slowly.

Stage 4 (Low Stationary) – Both birth and death rates are low and stable; population is high but growing slowly.

Stage 5 (Declining?) – Birth rate falls below death rate, leading to a slow decline in total population.

Limitations of the DTM – Does not include migration or sudden events like wars or pandemics and is based on Western Europe’s development path.

Strengths of the DTM – Useful for understanding and comparing stages of population change and planning for future population needs.

Factors Influencing Population Structures

Ageing population – A population with a growing number of older people, often due to longer life expectancy and lower birth rates.

Dependency ratio – The ratio of people not in the workforce (young and old dependents) compared to those who are economically active.

Emigration – When people leave a country to live in another country.

Fertility rate – The average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime.

Infant mortality rate – The number of babies who die before their first birthday per 1,000 live births.

Natural increase – When the birth rate is higher than the death rate.

Net migration – The difference between immigration and emigration. A positive number means more people are entering than leaving.

Population pyramid – A graph showing the age and gender structure of a population.

Working-age population – People between roughly 15 and 64 years old who are considered economically active.

Youthful and Ageing Populations

Ageing population (continued) – Seen in many high-income countries. It increases pressure on health services and pensions and often leads to labour shortages.

Angel plan – A Japanese policy introduced in 1994 to increase the birth rate through childcare and family support.

Cultural norms – Traditions and beliefs in a society, such as large families, which can influence population structure.

Disposable income – The amount of money people have available to spend after taxes, often higher in retired people in ageing societies.

High dependency ratio – When many young or old people rely on a smaller working-age population for support.

Immigration policy – Laws and rules about people moving into a country; Japan revised its immigration law in 2018 to allow more workers.

Plus One proposal – A Japanese population policy that focuses on increasing daycare access and creating parent-friendly workplaces.

Social services – Government services such as healthcare, pensions, and education, which are impacted by changing population structures.

Volunteering – Older people in ageing societies often contribute to the community through unpaid roles.

Youthful population – A population with a large number of children and young people, often found in low-income countries due to high birth rates.

Population Case Study: Japan

Ageing population in Japan – Over 33% of people are over 60, leading to a higher death rate and shrinking population.

Birth rate in Japan – Currently 6.8 per 1,000 people – very low and below the replacement level.

Death rate in Japan – Has risen to 11.1 per 1,000 people, largely due to the ageing population.

Fertility rate in Japan – Around 1.36 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1.

Life expectancy – Japan has the highest in the world, at 84.36 years, contributing to the ageing population.

Population decline – Japan’s population fell from 128.1 million in 2010 to 125.8 million in 2020, and continues to decline.

Population pyramid (Japan) – Has a pentagon shape with a narrow base, showing fewer children and many older people.

School closures – Japan has an average of 450 schools closing each year due to falling student numbers.

Worker shortages – Japan predicts a shortage of 380,000 elderly care workers by 2025, due to population decline.

Types of Migrant

Asylum seeker – A person who has left their country and is seeking protection in another country due to fear of persecution.

Economic migrant – Someone who moves to another country for better job opportunities or to improve their standard of living.

Emigrant – A person who leaves their home country to live in another.

Immigrant – A person who enters a new country to live there permanently or long-term.

Internal migrant – Someone who moves within the same country, usually from rural to urban areas.

International migrant – A person who moves across national borders to live in another country.

Refugee – Someone who has been forced to flee their country due to conflict, persecution, or disaster.

Seasonal migrant – A person who moves temporarily to work during a specific time of year (e.g. harvest time).

Causes of Migration

Conflict – Wars or violence can force people to flee for safety.

Economic opportunity – Higher wages, more jobs, and better standards of living pull people to new places.

Environmental disaster – Natural events such as droughts, floods or earthquakes that displace populations.

Family reunification – Moving to join family members already living in another place.

Healthcare and education – Better services attract migrants seeking a higher quality of life.

Job shortages (Push Factor) – Lack of employment opportunities at home may push people to migrate.

Political instability – Corruption or weak governments may lead people to leave for a safer, more stable society.

Poverty – People migrate in search of financial security and a better quality of life.

Impacts of Migration

Brain drain – The loss of skilled workers from one country to another.

Cultural exchange – The spread and sharing of languages, food, and customs between people from different places.

Discrimination – Migrants may face prejudice or unfair treatment in the destination country.

Pressure on services – In areas with high migration, schools, hospitals, and housing may become overcrowded.

Remittances – Money sent home by migrants, which supports families and the economy in their origin country.

Skill shortages – The source country may struggle to replace workers who have migrated.

Workforce growth – Migrants can fill labour gaps and help economic growth in the destination country.

Strategies to Manage International Migration

Border control – Monitoring and managing who enters and leaves a country.

Guest worker schemes – Programmes allowing people to work temporarily in a country to fill labour shortages.

Immigration quotas – A limit on how many people can enter a country from different regions each year.

International agreements – Countries cooperating to manage refugee flows or control illegal migration.

Language & integration support – Classes and services that help migrants adapt to their new country.

Visa system – Rules that control who can legally enter and stay in a country for work, study, or family.

Work permits – Documents that allow migrants to legally work in a foreign country for a set period.

Migration Case Study: Mexico–USA

Border wall – Physical barrier between Mexico and the USA to reduce illegal immigration.

Coyote (smuggler) – A person paid to illegally transport migrants across the border.

Illegal immigration – Entry or stay in a country without official permission.

Job opportunities – A major pull factor to the USA, particularly in agriculture, construction, and services.

Push factors (Mexico) – High crime, low wages, unemployment, and poverty encourage people to leave.

Remittances to Mexico – Many migrants in the USA send money home, boosting the Mexican economy.

Strain on US services – Migrants may increase demand for healthcare, housing, and education in the USA.

US immigration policy – Includes quotas, deportations, and patrols aimed at reducing illegal crossings.