Global Demographics and Socio-Economic Structures

Global Population Density and Distribution

Population distribution is concentrated in determined places on Earth. While some sites are the most populous lands, others are experiencing an aging population.

Demographics in Developed and Underdeveloped Worlds

In underdeveloped countries, there is a high birth rate. However, the mortality rate is also significant because they do not have the necessary resources for maintenance.

Causes of Migratory Movements

Migration involves the abandonment of an old place to leave for another. For example, the abandonment of rural homes in search of a new home elsewhere.

Defining Economic Activity

Economic activity is a set of activities performed by human beings to meet their needs. It consists of the following stages:

• Production: Combining technique and work to obtain consumption goods and capital goods.
• Marketing: This involves sales, including wholesale (sale by major) and retail (sale by minor).
• Consumption: Consuming the product or using the good or service.

Factors of Production

The primary factors of production are labor and capital.

Market Economy and State Functions

A market economy is characterized by Capitalism and the play of supply and demand.

Functions of the State

The state maintains order and peace in society. As tax collectors, they allocate money to meet the needs of the country, foster economic and social development, and aim to provide training and jobs to all citizens.

Democratic States vs. Dictatorships

In a democratic state, the government collects taxes from citizens, and the citizens participate in the decisions of the state. In a dictatorship, state power belongs to only one individual who holds power through inheritance, force, or position.

Features of Industrial Societies

• Pre-industrial: Agriculture and livestock are fundamental to the economy; it is labor-intensive.
• Industrial: The traditional type, involving 40% of the population with a dense transportation network.
• Post-industrial: Characterized by economic growth and high technology; it has exceeded 60% of the working population.

Global Cultural Areas

These areas include Romance and Germanic languages, capitalist economies, and Catholic regions, as well as Slavic and Orthodox religions and the socialist economy.

The European Union: Origins and Objectives

After World War II, it was decided to avoid further military confrontation, which led to an economic union. The EU consists of 27 states aiming to ensure freedom, security, and a fair role for Europe in the world.

Major Institutions of the European Union

• Council of the European Union: Heads of state of member countries accompanied by their ministers.
• European Parliament: Controls European laws and budgets.
• European Commission: Defends general community interests.
• Court of Justice: Ensures compliance with laws.
• Court of Auditors: Controls financial management and the EU budget.

Characteristics of the World Population

Current trends show low growth. The Birth Rate (TN) is 11% and the Mortality Rate (TM) is 7%. With an average of 1.3 children per woman, life expectancy has increased to 76 years for men and 84 years for women, which causes population aging.