Paper 2 Preparation » Population Questions

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How to interpret population pyramids and demographic data
Strategies for tackling population change questions
Key case studies for population management policies
How to analyse population distribution patterns
Techniques for explaining population growth and decline

Understanding Population Questions in Paper 2

Population questions are a key component of Paper 2 in Cambridge iGCSE Geography. These questions test your understanding of how populations change over time, how they're distributed across the globe and the challenges that come with population changes.

Key Definitions:

Population density: The number of people living in a given area (usually per square kilometre).
Birth rate: The number of live births per 1,000 people per year.
Death rate: The number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.
Natural increase: The difference between birth rate and death rate.
Migration: The movement of people from one place to another.
Demographic Transition Model: A model showing how populations change over time as countries develop.

📊 Population Pyramids

Population pyramids show the age and sex structure of a population. They're crucial for understanding a country's demographic profile. In Paper 2, you might be asked to interpret these pyramids to identify whether a country is developing or developed.

Key features to identify:

Wide base = high birth rate (typically developing countries)
Narrow base = low birth rate (typically developed countries)
Bulges = baby booms or immigration waves
Indentations = wars, famines, or emigration

👥 Population Distribution

Questions often ask you to explain why populations are distributed unevenly. Remember these key factors:

Physical factors: Climate, relief, soil fertility, water supply
Human factors: Job opportunities, transport links, government policies
Historical factors: Colonial settlement patterns, industrial development

Be ready to explain both dense populations (e.g., Ganges Valley) and sparse populations (e.g., Sahara Desert).

The Demographic Transition Model

The Demographic Transition Model (DTM) is a crucial concept for Paper 2. It shows how countries move through stages of population change as they develop economically.

🟢 Stages 1 & 2

Stage 1: High birth rates, high death rates, little population growth.

Stage 2: High birth rates, falling death rates, rapid population growth.

Example: Many sub-Saharan African countries like Niger.

🟡 Stages 3 & 4

Stage 3: Falling birth rates, low death rates, slowing population growth.

Stage 4: Low birth rates, low death rates, stable population.

Example: Stage 3 - Brazil, Stage 4 - UK.

🔴 Stage 5

Low birth rates, slightly rising death rates due to ageing population, natural decrease.

Example: Japan, Germany, Italy.

This stage was added to the original model to reflect modern trends in developed countries.

Population Management Policies

Paper 2 often asks about how countries manage population growth or decline. You need to know examples of both anti-natalist policies (to reduce birth rates) and pro-natalist policies (to increase birth rates).

Case Study Focus: China's One-Child Policy

China implemented its One-Child Policy in 1979 to control rapid population growth. The policy included:

Financial incentives for families with one child
Fines for having more than one child
Free contraception and family planning education
Later marriage age encouraged

Results: Birth rate fell from 18 per 1000 in 1979 to 12 per 1000 by 2015. However, it created an ageing population and gender imbalance (more males than females). The policy was relaxed in 2015 to allow two children and further relaxed in 2021 to allow three children.

Case Study Focus: Singapore's Pro-natalist Policy

Singapore shifted from anti-natalist to pro-natalist policies in the 1980s due to concerns about an ageing population and low birth rates. Measures include:

"Have Three or More (if you can afford it)" campaign
Tax rebates for having children
Extended maternity leave
Baby Bonus scheme - cash payments for having children
Subsidised childcare

Results: Limited success - birth rate remains low at around 8.5 per 1000 (2020).

Population Movement and Migration

Migration is a common topic in Paper 2. You need to understand both internal migration (within a country) and international migration (between countries).

🗺 Push and Pull Factors

Push factors drive people away from a place:

Unemployment
War and conflict
Natural disasters
Persecution
Environmental degradation

Pull factors attract people to a new place:

Job opportunities
Better healthcare and education
Political stability
Family connections
Higher standard of living

💼 Impacts of Migration

On source countries:

Loss of young, skilled workers (brain drain)
Reduced unemployment
Remittances (money sent home)
Changed age structure

On host countries:

Cultural diversity
Filling labour shortages
Pressure on services
Social tensions

Case Study Focus: Mexico to USA Migration

This is a major international migration flow with approximately 11 million Mexican-born immigrants living in the USA.

Push factors from Mexico: Lower wages, unemployment, drug-related violence

Pull factors to USA: Higher wages, job opportunities, better living standards, family connections

Impacts:

On Mexico: Remittances (over $40 billion annually), reduced unemployment, loss of working-age population
On USA: Labour for agriculture and construction, cultural influences (food, music), political debates about immigration policy

Exam Technique for Population Questions

When answering population questions in Paper 2, follow these strategies:

💡 Data Analysis

For questions with graphs, maps or tables:

Identify overall trends first
Quote specific figures with units
Compare different regions/time periods
Link patterns to your knowledge of causes

✍ Extended Answers

For longer questions (6-8 marks):

Structure with clear paragraphs
Include specific case studies
Discuss both advantages and disadvantages
Consider different stakeholders
Conclude with a balanced judgment

📖 Key Terminology

Always use geographical terms:

Demographic terms (fertility rate, life expectancy)
Development indicators (HDI, GDP)
Specific policy names
Migration terminology (refugee, economic migrant)

Common Question Types

Be prepared for these typical population questions in Paper 2:

Describing and explaining population distribution patterns from maps
Interpreting population pyramids and explaining differences
Explaining the causes and consequences of population change
Evaluating population management policies
Discussing the impacts of migration on different places
Explaining how development affects population characteristics

Remember to link population issues to other geographical topics like urbanisation, development and resource management. Population doesn't exist in isolation - it connects to many other aspects of geography!

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!