Reasons for Growth & Decline

Geography: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 6.1.1

Global Population Growth

The world’s population has increased exponentially from 1 billion people in 1804 to over 7 billion people today.

Natural increase is the birth rate minus the death rate.
Developing countries have higher rates of natural increase.
Developed countries have very low rates of natural increase and may move to natural decrease soon.
Africa has the highest rate of natural increase of all the continents.

Birth rate is the number of live babies born per 1,000 per year.
There are large numbers of women of childbearing age, so even though the number of births per woman (fertility rate) is generally falling, the population continues to grow.
This is called demographic momentum.
Birth rates are still high in less developed countries so the population increases rapidly in these locations.
Natural increase is particularly true in areas of strong religious beliefs because of beliefs about contraceptives.

Death rates have dropped in the last couple of centuries.
Death rate is the number of people who die per 1,000 people per year.
Modern medicine has reduced the effect of illness on humans.
Vaccines, antibiotics, antivirals can be used to keep people alive now. This means that people live longer.
More babies survive as antenatal care has improved.

The infant mortality rate has dropped in the last couple of centuries.
The infant mortality rate is the number of babies who die within their first year of life per 1,000 per year.

The carrying capacity is the largest number of people that the resources of the planet/a given area can support.
The carrying capacity of the world has increased with technological advances in food production and resource development.

A growing population creates more waste, which can cause pollution and health risks.
Governments must spend more on healthcare, housing, and education to meet rising demand.
Rapid growth can put pressure on jobs, food, and water supplies, leading to shortages.
A larger workforce can also mean more tax revenue, which may support economic growth.
If growth is too fast, it can reduce living standards and increase inequality.