Patterns & Trends
Geography: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 6.1.2
Patterns & Trends
Patterns in global population growth show uneven rates caused by variations in birth rates, death rates, and migration across countries.
Global population trends
- Global population increased rapidly since 1950 due to declining death rates.
- Some regions, like Asia and Africa, show faster growth than Europe.
- Population growth rates vary widely between countries.
Birth rates and fertility
- In developing countries, high fertility rates lead to high birth rates and rapid population growth.
- In developed countries, lower fertility rates mean fewer births and slower population growth.
- Fertility rate is the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime.
Death rates and life expectancy
- Death rates have fallen globally due to better healthcare and sanitation.
- Life expectancy varies by country, affecting population size.
- Lower death rates contribute to population increase in many areas.
Migration impacts on population
- Migration redistributes populations but does not change global numbers.
- Countries with high immigration may see population growth regardless of birth rates.
- Emigration can slow growth in countries losing people.
Migration and net migration
- Migration is the movement of people from one place to another to live or work.
- Net migration is the difference between the number of people entering and leaving a place.
- A positive net migration means more people arrive than leave.
- A negative net migration means more people leave than arrive.
Test yourself on Patterns & Trends
What is the main reason for the rapid global population increase since 1950?
How does migration affect global population numbers?
Choose the correct statements.