Chapter 6, Problem 13STP

Summary Introduction

To write:

The age group with the largest population in a country with a very slow growth rate.

Introduction:

The study of human population size, density, distribution, movement, and birth and death rates is demography. For many years, environmental conditions kept the size of the human population at a relatively constant number below the environment's carrying capacity. Population growth rate is an important characteristic of any population. It explains how fast a given population grows. Some populations tend to remain the same size from year to year while other populations vary in size depending on their environmental conditions.

Explanation of Solution

Technological advances have resulted in a rapid growth of human population. However, human population growth is not the same in all countries. Events such as disease and war can alter population trends. However, countries with similar economies have similar population growth trends. An industrially developed country is one that has advanced industrial and technological capabilities and has a high standard of living. In such cases, the birth rate can be lower and life expectancy will be at a higher level. This is not the case in developing countries. The developing countries have higher birthrates and have lower life expectancies. Developing countries have one of the fastest growing population rates in the world. The age structure of a population is the number of males and females in each of three groups- pre-productive stage, reproductive stage, and post reproductive stage. Humans are considered pre-productive before age 20. The reproductive years are considered to be between 20-44, and the post-reproductive years after age 44. Thus, in a country with a very slow growth rate, the age group with the largest population would be in the reproductive years.

Conclusion

The largest group of population in a country with very slow growth rate would be in the reproductive age group.