Theory question 104
PopulationSection B (answer four questions only from this section)
(a) What is underpopulation?
(b) Under what conditions will it be advantageous for a country to promote population growth?
Show the model answer
(a) Underpopulation is a situation in which the population is too small to make the best use of the country's resources, so output per head is below what it could be (population below the optimum).
(b) When the country is underpopulated (below optimum).
When there are abundant unused natural resources (land, minerals).
When there is a shortage of labour.
When there is enough capital and technology to employ the extra people.
When a larger domestic market is needed to support large-scale industries.
When there is enough food and social amenities to support more people.
For defence/security needs of a large population.
Link (b) to the idea of optimum population.