Understanding World Population: Past, Present, and Future

World Population

The total number of people living on earth. This figure reached 7 billion in 2012.

Population History

1. Increased slowly before 18^th century. Black death interrupted it.
2. 18^th - 19^th century: contemporary age. Population grew in Europe and North America, improved agriculture.
3. 20^th century: contemporary age.
4. Now.
5. Future.

Population Density

Total population/area km. Average population density: 50 inhabitants per km².

Population Distribution

Uneven due to physical and human factors.

• Physical: Some types of natural environment usually have high population. Favourable conditions include abundant water, a temperate climate, low fertile land, and mineral resources. On the other hand, regions with little water or extreme temperatures are less densely populated.
• Human: Population settlement has developed in certain parts of the world. Population density usually reflects economic activity. A region with considerable industrial, mining, or agricultural production is likely to be densely populated.

Demography

The scientific study of human population. It examines population trends in the past as well as its present-day characteristics.

Birth Rate

Measures the number of births in an area over a year. It shows annual births per 1,000 people. Annual births/total population x 1000 = 0/00

Fertility Rate

The average number of births born to women over the entire period when they can have children, between 15-45. Annual live births/fertile women x 1000 = 0/00

Mortality Rate

Measures the number of deaths in an area over a year. It shows annual deaths per 1,000 people. Annual deaths/total population x 1000 = 0/00

Infant Mortality Rate

Annual infant deaths/annual live births x 1000 = 0/00

Natural Increase

The difference between the number of births and deaths in a population. It is positive when the birth rate is higher than the death rate. Birth rate – death rate = 0/00

Life Expectancy

The average life span of people in a particular society. Years lived/annual deaths = years.

High Population Density

China, Japan, India, Southeast Australia, Nile, Eastern Europe, East Coast of Africa, and America.

Low Population Density

North and South Poles, Sahara, Amazonas, Siberia, deserts.