Geography Exam Paper Analysis: Development and Demographics

M12/3/GEOGR/BP1/ENG/TZ0/XX/

1. Analysis of Development Trends

(a) Describe the relationship shown on the graph

There is a positive relationship: life expectancy at birth increases as GDP per capita increases [1 mark], but it is non-linear and levels off [1 mark]. Award [1 mark] for identification of an anomaly and [1 mark] for quantification.

(b) Suggest two possible reasons for the relationship

Award [1 mark] for identifying a valid reason and [1 mark] for further development or exemplification:

• Higher GDP per capita implies a higher standard of living, which impacts diet, hygiene, sanitation, water supply, and access to health care, thereby increasing longevity [1+1 marks].
• Reasons for anomalies or the levelling off effect may also be developed.

(c) Explain two economic effects of a youthful population

Award [1+1 marks] for each valid economic effect, provided it is developed with explanation or detail:

• Demographic dividend: A youthful population, if combined with a falling fertility rate [1 mark], can result in a future bulge in the economically active labour force [1 mark].
• Increased unemployment: Potential for higher unemployment if job creation does not keep pace with population growth.
• Tax burden: Increased state spending on child-related services, such as schools, places a higher burden on taxpayers.

2. Human Poverty and Development Metrics

(a) Describe the pattern of human poverty shown on the map

The highest values are in the North/North West [1 mark], while the lowest values are in the centre [1 mark]. Award [1 mark] for quantification.

(b) Explain one strength and one weakness of the HDI

Award [1 mark] for identifying a valid point and [1 mark] for a developed explanation.

• Strengths: Composite indicator (GNI per capita, school enrolment, life expectancy); allows for international comparison; enables longitudinal analysis since 1990.
• Weaknesses: Ignores environmental costs; relies on potentially unreliable data; represents an average that masks internal disparities; fails to measure human rights, corruption, or gender equality.

Note: The HDI composition changed in 2011; both old and new versions are acceptable.

(c) Explain inequalities resulting from ethnicity

Award [1 mark] for identifying a valid country and [1 mark] for accurately describing the existing ethnic inequality. The remaining [2 marks] are reserved for an explanation of the origin or nature of the inequality.