GCSE Geography - Population - Useful Terminology

Birth Rate: The number of births per 1000 people in the population per year in a country.

Death Rate: The number of deaths per 1000 people in the population per year in a country.

Emigration: The migration of people out of a country.

Immigration: The migration of people into a country.

LEDC: Less Economically Developed Country.

MEDC: More Economically Developed Country.

Migration: The permanent or semi-permanent movement of people to live and work in another area or country.

Natural Increase: The relationship between the birth rate and the death rate of a country or area.

Population Growth: The difference between (BR + Immigration) and (DR+ Emigration).

Further Reading

Birth rate is a term that tells us how many babies are born in a specific place, usually per 1,000 people in a year. It's like a way of measuring how many new members are joining the population.

So, if a country or an area has a high birth rate, it means that a lot of babies are being born there. On the other hand, if the birth rate is low, it means that fewer babies are being born.

An example of a country with a low birth rate is Japan. Japan has been facing a declining birth rate for several years, coupled with an aging population. There are various factors contributing to this trend, including economic challenges, a high cost of living, and social factors that influence family planning decisions.

Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa were known for having higher birth rates compared to other regions. For instance, Niger has been identified as having one of the highest birth rates globally. The high birth rate in some African countries can be influenced by factors such as cultural norms, limited access to family planning resources, and high fertility preferences.

People often use birth rate to understand more about a place and its population. It can help us see if the population is growing quickly, staying the same, or maybe even getting smaller. It's an important number for governments and planners because it can affect things like schools, healthcare, and jobs in the future.

Death rate is a term that tells us how many people pass away in a specific place, usually per 1,000 people in a year. It's like a way of measuring how many people are leaving the population.

So, if a country or an area has a high death rate, it means that a lot of people are passing away there. On the other hand, if the death rate is low, it means that fewer people are dying.

Just like the birth rate, people use the death rate to understand more about a place and its population. It can help us see if the population is getting older or if there are health challenges that need attention. Governments and planners pay attention to the death rate to make sure there are enough healthcare services for the population.

So, birth rate and death rate together give us a sense of how a population is changing over time.

Countries with higher death rates often face various challenges, such as older populations, health issues, or even conflicts. Keep in mind that these situations can change over time due to various factors.

For example, in the past, countries like Russia and some countries in sub-Saharan Africa have experienced relatively higher death rates. Russia, in particular, has faced challenges related to factors like alcohol consumption, cardiovascular diseases, and a declining population.

It's essential to note that these examples may not reflect the most current situation, as demographic trends can change, and countries implement strategies to address health issues. For the latest and most accurate information, it's recommended to check recent demographic and health statistics from reliable sources like the World Bank, the World Health Organization, or national statistical agencies.