Underpopulation Case Study: Australia

Question 1

Effects of underpopulation

Answer 1

Shortage of workers has led to lower optimum productivity
Conflicts caused in major cities like Sydney due to need to attract foreign workers
Not possible to exploit all resources and large areas of outback are underdeveloped and underused
Less people paying tax. 43% of the labour force will be due to retire in next 20 years.
Taxes will have to be raised to fund retirement.
Schools and hospitals may close because there are not enough people to support them.
Public transport links might close because of less customers. It is unlikely that new
transport systems will develop as there is not enough people to support them. This
increases peoples reliance on cars.
There may be less innovation and development.
Hard to defend country.

Question 2

How big is Australia and how does this reflect its underpopulation?

Answer 2

Australia has a population of 20 million
It is a similar size to USA but USA has 300 million people living in it
It has many empty areas and could support a much greater population
Government is trying to increase its population to try and develop the country economically and protect it from foreign influence