Population & Migration is a core part of GCSE Geography. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Population PyramidBar graph of age-sex structure; pyramids show youthful populations (Nigeria), inverted shapes show ageing (Japan).
Demographic Transition ModelFive stages tracking birth/death rates with development; UK reached Stage 4 in 20th century.
Dependency RatioRatio of dependents (under 15 and over 65) to working-age population; higher ratio means more economic burden.
Ageing PopulationRising median age and over-65 share; Japan 29% over 65; strains pensions, healthcare; resolved by immigration or pro-natalism.
Voluntary vs Forced MigrationVoluntary for economic/lifestyle reasons (EU workers to UK); forced by conflict, persecution, disaster (Syrian refugees).
Net MigrationDifference between immigration and emigration; positive means population gain; UK net migration around 600,000 (2023).
Hot Desert CharacteristicsLess than 250mm rainfall/year; large diurnal temperature range; sandy or rocky surfaces; e.g. Sahara, Atacama, Sonoran.
DesertificationLand degradation in drylands from climate change and human activity (overgrazing, deforestation, over-cultivation); affects Sahel.
XerophytesPlants adapted to drought: deep tap roots (mesquite), water storage (cacti), waxy leaves; reduce transpiration.
Polar EnvironmentsHigh latitude regions with permanent ice; Arctic (sea ice over ocean) vs Antarctic (ice on continent); minus 60 degrees C possible.
TundraSubarctic biome with permafrost subsoil; short summers allow lichens, mosses, grasses; reindeer, musk ox, lemmings.
PermafrostPermanently frozen ground covering 25% of Northern Hemisphere; thawing releases methane, threatens infrastructure.
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
What is the difference between push and pull factors in migration?✗ Push and pull factors are the same thing. ✓ Push factors drive people away from their origin (war, poverty, persecution, disaster); pull factors attract people to a destination (jobs, safety, family, healthcare, education).
Why do people move from rural to urban areas in LICs?✗ Because cities in poor countries are always better than the countryside. ✓ A combination of push factors (rural poverty, lack of services, agricultural change) and pull factors (perceived jobs, education, healthcare) — though reality often disappoints.
What happens in Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model?✗ Birth rates rise rapidly because people want larger families. ✓ Death rates fall rapidly (due to better food, sanitation and medicine) while birth rates remain high, causing rapid population growth.
Why is an ageing population a challenge for HICs?✗ Because old people stop contributing anything to society. ✓ Rising dependency ratio means fewer workers support more pensioners through tax, increasing pressure on pensions, healthcare and social care services.
Practise Population & Migration — free games
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