Understanding Population Dynamics: Distribution, Growth, and Composition

Population Dynamics

Key Population Concepts

Population: The number of people inhabiting a particular place, influenced by physical environment, settlement patterns, economic activities, and history.

Population Density: The total number of inhabitants in a territory (absolute population) divided by the area it occupies in square kilometers.

Natality: The number of births in a population over a year.

Mortality: The number of deaths in a population over a year.

Birth Rate: The ratio of live births in a year to the average total population of that year.

Death Rate: The ratio of deaths to the population of a particular area during a specific period.

Life Expectancy: The average period a person may expect to live.

Migratory Change: Population movements to and from different places.

Natural Change: A rise or fall in population due to natural events (births and deaths).

Fertility Rate: The average number of children per woman.

Migration Rate: The difference between immigration and emigration.

Rural Exodus: Emigration from the countryside to the city.

Spatial Distribution

Unequal Distribution

Population Density = Total Population / Area (km²) = inh/km²

• High: +100 inh/km²
• Average: 50-100 inh/km²
• Low: 25-50 inh/km²
• Very Low: -25 inh/km²

Densely Populated Areas: South Asia, Central Europe, East Coast USA

Sparsely Populated Areas: Poles, frigid zones, deserts

Distribution Factors

• Physical: Terrain, climate, water, soil type
• Human: History, political decisions, economy

People prefer flat terrain, fresh water, and fertile soil.

Natural Population Movement

Population change occurs due to:

• Natural Change: Birth rate minus death rate
• Migratory Change:
  • Immigration: Adds people
  • Emigration: Subtracts people

Demographic Regimes

1. Pre-industrial (Up to 1750)

   • High birth rate (no contraceptive methods)
   • High death rate (poor diet, healthcare, hygiene)
   • Life expectancy: 35 years

2. Demographic Transition (1750-1950)

   • Falling birth rate (birth control)
   • Falling death rate (improved diet, healthcare, hygiene)
   • Natural population increase

3. Modern Demography (Since 1950)

   • Low birth and fertility rates
   • Low mortality

Population Composition

Composition by Gender

Ratio of men to women (males predominate in younger groups).

Composition by Age

• Young Population (0-14): Underdeveloped countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America). Problems: malnutrition, illiteracy.
• Adult Population (15-64): Emerging countries. Moderate demographic transition.
• Aging Population (64+): Wealthy countries (Europe, USA). Low demographic growth.