Demographic Transition Model How a Countrys Population Changes

Demographic Transition Model How a Country’s Population Changes

What is it? The Demographic Transition Model was designed to show that as a country “develops”, there are distinct stages of population change. It is based on birth rates, death rates, and overall population trends. The model shows trends that we have seen in countries that are becoming increasingly industrialized, but many countries in Africa don’t seem to be “transitioning” according to predictions.

Stage One High birth and death rates= small growth. Fluctuations in population because of plagues, disease, malnutrition, etc. No countries exist in this stage anymore.

Stage Two Examples: Zambia, Afghanistan, Bhutan. Improvements in health care and sanitation decrease death rate. Births are high = rapid population growth.

Stage Three Examples: China, Egypt, Costa Rica >Population growth begins to decline as birth rates fall. This occurs as women become more educated, have access to birth control, and less desire for a large family. This results from the shift from rural to urban. Population growth still on the rise but at a slower pace.

Stage Four Examples: USA, Australia, NZ, most of Europe, Canada? Low growth rate as country is completely industrialized. Death and birth rates very low. Exceptions can include “baby boom” or war

Stage Five The original model only had 4 stages, but a 5 th has been added as some countries have had a negative growth. Birth rates drop below death rates. Countries include: Austria, Japan, Canada? Immigration plays an important role in keeping population levels steady in these countries.

DMT and Pop Pyramids

Assignment Pg 325 shows Canada’s movement through the stages. Answer questions 1 -3 based on Fig 13 -9 AND: What do you predict is going to happen to the world population in the next ten years? What are some concerns about global population?