Population Dynamics, Migration Factors, and Urban Geography

Global Population Dynamics and Growth

World population grew very slowly before the 19th century. Birth rates were high, but death rates were also high. From the early 19th century, the death rate in developed countries fell due to improved medicine and better nutrition following improvements in agriculture, causing the world population to increase.

In the 20th century, there was rapid population growth, often referred to as the Population Explosion.

Regions with Low Population Growth

These regions typically have low population growth, often around 0.2%. This trend is linked to several factors:

• Low birth rate.
• More working women.
• Contraception is widely available.
• Families delay having children.
• It is expensive to raise a family.
• Social values are changing.

Population in Less Developed Countries (LDCs)

The birth rate in these regions is very high, often around 34%. This is influenced by:

• High infant mortality rates.
• Many families work in agriculture, meaning their children work too.
• Some religions are opposed to the use of contraceptives.

Understanding Human Migration

Migration is the movement of people from one place in the world to another for the purpose of taking up residence.

Why People Migrate? Analyzing Push Factors

Push factors are reasons that compel people to leave their current location:

• Economic: Lack of job opportunities or poor working conditions.
• Social: Desire for better healthcare and education.
• Political or Religious: War or persecution.
• Natural Disasters: Events like earthquakes, floods, and droughts.

Characteristics of International Migration

• Migrants are often young adults.
• The unskilled often accept poorly paid jobs.
• The skilled often find higher paid work.
• People frequently leave poorer countries to live in more developed countries.
• As a result of economic crises, there has been migration from developed countries to emerging countries.

Consequences of Mass Migration

Mass migration has significant effects across various sectors:

• Demographic: Emigrants are often young adults, so the country of origin loses its young, productive population.
• Economic: Unemployment often falls in a country when many people emigrate.
• Sociological: Many immigrants find it difficult to adapt to new countries and cultures.
• Cultural: The arrival of people promotes cultural interchange and widens people's experience and knowledge.

Defining the Modern City

Key Characteristics of a City

• Population Size: Cities have large numbers of inhabitants and are densely populated.
• Urban Space: Cities are built-up areas.
• Administrative Status: Status often originates in their historical importance.

Essential Functions of a City

Cities serve multiple roles within a region:

• Residential
• Political: Administrative institutions are based in provincial, regional, and national capitals.
• Commercial: All cities play a vital role in regional economies.
• Industrial
• Cultural: Serving an educational role.
• Tourism: Offering cultural attractions.