This mini-lesson covers AS 2 Theme 1 — Population: how population data is collected in MEDCs and LEDCs, the main fertility and mortality measures, the demographic and epidemiological transition models, population and resources (Malthus and Boserup), and fertility policies.
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Population data
Census and vital registration
Two main sources of population data:
National census — a periodic count of the whole population and its characteristics.
Vital registration — continuous recording of births, deaths and marriages.
CCEA contrasts MEDCs and LEDCs on the reliability, collection and use of data, using two national case studies (for example the UK and Kenya). In many LEDCs, remoteness, cost, illiteracy and conflict make data less complete and less reliable.
Quick check
Continuous recording
?Which term describes the continuous recording of births and deaths as they happen?
Fertility and mortality
Fertility and mortality measures
Learn these four measures precisely:
Crude birth rate (CBR) — live births per 1000 people per year.
Crude death rate (CDR) — deaths per 1000 people per year.
Total fertility rate (TFR) — average number of children per woman.
Infant mortality rate (IMR) — deaths under age 1 per 1000 live births.
The natural increase rate = CBR − CDR (expressed per 1000, or as a % by dividing by 10).
Calculate
Calculate — natural increase
1A country has a crude birth rate of 32 per 1000 and a crude death rate of 8 per 1000. Calculate the natural increase rate as a percentage.
%
Hint: (CBR − CDR) = 24 per 1000; divide by 10 to get a percentage.
Calculate
Calculate — doubling time
2Using the 'rule of 70', a population grows at 2.4% per year. Estimate its doubling time (70 ÷ growth rate). Give your answer to the nearest year.
years
Hint: doubling time = 70 ÷ 2.4.
Transition models
Demographic and epidemiological transition
The Demographic Transition Model (DTM) tracks birth and death rates through five stages as a country develops — from high-fluctuating (Stage 1), through falling death then birth rates, to low-fluctuating and possible decline.
The epidemiological transition describes the parallel shift in the main causes of death — from infectious and famine-related diseases towards degenerative and lifestyle diseases as countries develop.
Sort it
Sort the measure or source
Tap a term, then tap the correct group.
👶 Fertility measure
⚰️ Mortality measure
🗂️ Data source
Quick check
Reading the DTM
?In Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model, population grows rapidly. Why?
Population and resources
Malthus, Boserup and optimum population
CCEA distinguishes underpopulation, overpopulation and optimum population (the number that maximises quality of life for a given resource base).
Malthus (pessimist): population grows geometrically but food only arithmetically, so growth is checked by famine, disease and war (positive checks) unless restrained.
Boserup (optimist): "necessity is the mother of invention" — population pressure drives agricultural innovation, raising output.
Match it
Match the population concept
Tap an item on the left, then its matching partner on the right.
Concept
Meaning
Quick check
Boserup's view
?According to Boserup, what happens when population pressure on resources increases?
Fertility policies
Anti-natalist and pro-natalist policies
Where population and resources are imbalanced, governments may use fertility policies:
Anti-natalist — aims to reduce births (for example the former one-child policy in China).
Pro-natalist — aims to increase births (incentives in countries with ageing, shrinking populations).
CCEA requires one national case study of a fertility policy, evaluating its impact. Discuss intended and unintended effects (such as an ageing population or a skewed sex ratio) qualitatively rather than quoting invented figures.
Quick check
Classifying a policy
?A government offers cash bonuses, longer parental leave and cheaper childcare to encourage larger families. This is a:
Recap
The big ideas to know
Data: census (periodic count) vs vital registration (continuous); MEDC/LEDC reliability contrasts