Theory question 107
Population(a) Distinguish between: (i) a growing population and a declining population; (ii) overpopulation and under population.
(b) Explain any four disadvantages of a rapidly growing population in an economy.
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(a)(i) A growing population is one whose size increases over time because births (and immigration) exceed deaths (and emigration); a declining population is one whose size falls because deaths and emigration exceed births and immigration.
(ii) Overpopulation: the population is too large for the available resources, so income per head is below the maximum possible. Under-population: the population is too small to make full use of the resources, so income per head is also below the maximum.
(b) Any four: high dependency ratio; unemployment; pressure on social amenities (schools, hospitals, housing); low savings and investment; food shortages; low per capita income; environmental damage; congestion and slums; rural-urban migration and crime.
Over- and under-population are measured against the optimum.