Cambridge IGCSE Economics 0455
Syllabus points
- Explain the factors that affect population growth.
- Interpret the effects of changes in the size and structure of population.
What affects population size?
A country's population changes through:
- Birth rate — births per 1,000 people per year.
- Death rate — deaths per 1,000 people per year.
- Net migration — immigration minus emigration.
Natural change = birth rate − death rate. If births plus immigration exceed deaths plus emigration, the population grows.
Key definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Net migration | The difference between immigration and emigration. |
| Ageing population | A rising share of older people in the population. |
Influences on birth and death rates
- Birth rates fall with better education (especially of women), access to contraception, higher incomes and more women working.
- Death rates fall with better healthcare, nutrition, clean water and sanitation.
Developing countries often have high birth rates and falling death rates, so populations grow quickly. Developed countries often have low birth rates and long life expectancy, leading to ageing populations.
Effects of population change
| Fast-growing population | Ageing population |
|---|---|
| Larger future workforce | Fewer workers relative to retirees |
| Bigger market for firms | Higher spending on pensions and healthcare |
| Strain on jobs, schools, housing | Rising tax burden on workers |
A young, growing population strains services now but boosts the future workforce; an ageing population raises pension and healthcare costs.
Worked example
A developed country has a low birth rate and rising life expectancy, so its population is ageing. There are fewer workers to support more retirees, so the government faces higher pension and healthcare costs and may raise the retirement age or encourage immigration to expand the workforce.
Common exam mistakes
- Confusing birth/death *rates* (per 1,000) with absolute numbers.
- Ignoring migration when explaining population change.
Exam technique
Explain population change using birth rate, death rate and migration, then discuss the effects of the population's *structure* (young vs ageing).
Quick revision
- Population change = births − deaths + net migration.
- Developing: high birth rate, growing population. Developed: ageing population.