Population and economic development patterns
Population Structures
- Populations vary by age, sex, and economic role leading to different population structures.
- Demographic transition model (DTM) provides an idea of how populations shift and change over time due to economic development.
- Population pyramids are useful tools for visualising age-sex structure of a population.
Economic Development and Population Growth
- Economic prosperity often leads to urbanisation.
- Rural to urban migration occurs due to push and pull factors.
- Urban sprawling may occur, causing problems such as increased pressure on services and transport.
- Finance (wealth), goods and services flow from core regions to peripheral regions.
- Government policies influence the spatial pattern of economic activities and population distribution.
Population and Development Links
- High population growth rates can both promote and constrain economic development.
- Though a large workforce can propel economic development, excessive population growth may strain resources, leading to poverty and underdevelopment.
- Countries with low population growth rates often have higher per capita incomes and a higher quality of life.
- An unbalanced age structure can impact a country's economic development (e.g. young or ageing populations).
Migration and Development
- International migration can lead to brain drain or brain gain.
- Remittances from migrants can significantly contribute to the economy of home countries, enhancing infrastructure and prompting businesses.
- Economic development often results in a shift from manual labour towards skills and service-based industries, influencing internal migration patterns.
Impacts of Global Interactions
- Globalisation and development are often linked with increased spatial interactions, including the flow of goods, services, money, and people.
- Global shift in manufacturing has created loss of jobs in MEDCs and a gain in jobs in LEDCs.
- Transnational corporations (TNCs) play crucial roles in global interactions, affecting economic development and population movements.
Population Predictions
- Understanding population trends helps in planning economic activities and predicting potential challenges.
- On a global scale, population pressures may lead to issues like resource shortage, overcrowding, and environmental issues.
- Local level predictions inform decisions around urban planning, social services, and employment opportunities.