(a) Define the following terms: (i) optimum population; (ii) over-population; (iii) population density (b) The total population of country Q in the year 199...

Answer Details

(a) Definitions

• (i) Optimum population: the ideal population size that, with the available resources and level of technology, gives the highest standard of living (the greatest output and welfare per person). It is neither too many nor too few people for the resources.
• (ii) Over-population: a situation in which the population is too large for the available resources and technology to support at a reasonable standard of living, so that resources are over-stretched and welfare falls.
• (iii) Population density: the average number of people living on each unit area of land, usually expressed as persons per square kilometre. It is found by dividing the total population by the total land area.

(b) Population density of country Q

\[\text{Population density} = \frac{\text{Total population}}{\text{Land area}}\]

\[= \frac{4\,000\,000}{400\,000} = 10 \text{ persons per km}^2\]

Population density = 10 persons per km² (a low/sparse density).

(c) Four disadvantages of this low population density on the economy of the country

• Shortage of labour: too few people to work the farms, mines and industries, so resources remain unused or under-developed.
• Small home market: low demand for goods and services discourages large-scale production and investment.
• High cost of infrastructure per head: roads, water, electricity and other services are expensive to provide and maintain for a thinly spread population.
• Weak revenue and slow development: a small population yields little tax revenue and a small workforce, so defence, government services and the general pace of economic growth suffer.