Theory question 103
Population(a) Define the following terms: (i) optimum population; (ii) over-population; (iii) population density; (b) The total population of country Q in the year 1998 was 4 million. If the land area of country Q is 400,000 km2, calculate the population density of country Q. (c) Highlight four disadvantages of the population density calcuated in 3(b) above on the economy of country Q.
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(a)(i) Optimum population is the number of people that, with the available resources and technology, gives the highest possible standard of living.
(ii) Over-population is when the population is too large for the available resources, so living standards fall.
(iii) Population density is the average number of people per unit area (persons per km²).
(b) 4,000,000 ÷ 400,000 = 10 persons per km².
(c) The low density means: shortage of labour; resources left undeveloped; small home market for industries; high cost of providing roads, schools and other services to scattered people; low government revenue; difficulty in defence and administration.
Density = population ÷ area, with units.