Essay Population

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

The population is the total number of people who are living in a particular
area / country in a particular period of time.
South Africa has a diverse population and is estimated to be
approximately 60million people.

Question 2

Population growth

Answer 2

ation growth
Population growth refers to the increase in the number of
individuals residing in a country over a specific period of time.
South Africa has experienced significant population growth over the
years.
Factors contributing to population growth include high birth rates,
decreasing infant mortality rates, and improving life expectancy due
to advances in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition.
A population is growing when the birth rate is higher than the death
rate or more people immigrate into the country.
A population is decreasing when the death rate (mortality rate) is
higher than the birth rate and more people emigrate to another
country.
To determine whether the population has grown the following formula
is used – (Birth rate
+ Immigration) – (Death rate + Emigration).
Population growth is expressed as a percentage or a rate.

Question 3

Natural growth rate

Answer 3

Natural growth rate is the difference between the birth rate (live
births) and the death rate of a population during a year.
If the number of births exceeds the number of deaths, the natural
growth rate is positive, resulting in population growth.
If the number of deaths exceeds the number of births, the natural
growth rate is negative, leading to population decline.

Question 4

Demographic cycle

Answer 4

The demographic cycle refers to the changes in the age structure
of a population over time.
Phase 1:Birth rate and death rate is high. The community is poor and
absence of medical facilities and medical care.
Phase 2:
Birth control and family planning is not practiced – birth rate is
high. Living conditions improve. Death of babies and mothers
decrease. People live to an older age. The natural growth rate is
higher than the first phase. Average age of the population
increase.
Phase 3:
The phase has two parts:
Part 1: Income and standard of living increase for a large part of the
population.
This result in social development - families accept new values which
lead to a decrease in births. Death rate decreases at a faster rate
and ensures a high natural growth
rate.
Part 2: Birth rate decreases more rapidly than the natural death
rate and the natural growth rate starts to Decrease.
Phase 4:
Birth rate decreases rapidly. People realise that their standard of
living can increase if they have fewer children. The natural growth
rate declines. Medical care and services become affordable – death
rate declines.
Phase 5:
The natural growth rate is low and starts to level out.
Birth rate and death rate is low. The average age of the population
increases.

Question 5

Projected growth rates

Answer 5

It is important to monitor the changes in the country’s population
growth rate. PP
The government, policymakers and planners use population
projections to gauge future demand for food, water, energy, and
services. ✔✔
It gives the government and planners an idea of the composition of
the labour force. ✔✔
It gives the government and planners an idea on the size of future
school age population PP - it assists governments to plan to meet
the demand for housing, education (building of schools, number of
teachers needed, educational infrastructure; desks, books, etc.).
✔✔

Question 6

Migration

Answer 6

Migration is the movement of people between countries, regions,
areas, etc. PP
Migration = Immigration – Emigration ✔✔
Large scale migrant workers from neighbouring countries
employed in mines have work permits that give them legal
residence in the country for a specific period of time. ✔✔
Migration of people between provinces is unavoidable. ✔✔
Voluntary migration is when people choose to move to other areas,
countries, regions for
e.g. for better living conditions, access to health care, access to
good education, better employment opportunities, ect
Forced migration is the movement of refugees and internally displaced
people.
People are displaced by conflicts (wars) within the country or region.
People are displaced by natural or environmental disasters, chemical
or nuclear disasters, famine, etc.
People are forced to move to other areas and regions as a result of:
Wars: Natural disasters: Environmental disasters:

Question 7

Conclusion

Answer 7

Population growth poses challenges such as strain on resources and
infrastructure, while also offering opportunities such as a larger labor
force and cultural diversity. / Managing population growth requires
balanced approaches, including effective policies in areas like family
planning, healthcare, education, and economic development. / By
addressing population growth in a comprehensive and sustainable
manner, societies can strive for a better future for all individuals.