Population and Migration Concepts

Study Notes

Population distribution is uneven, with some areas densely populated and others sparsely populated due to factors like climate, resources, and historical events.
Factors influencing population density include climate, availability of resources (water, arable land), and historical events shaping settlement patterns.
Population growth is measured by birth and death rates, migration, and natural increase (crude birth rate minus crude death rate).
The demographic transition model describes stages of population change, typically transitioning from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as societies develop.
Stages of the demographic transition model include:
- Stage 1 (pre-industrial): High birth and death rates, slow population growth.
- Stage 2 (early industrial): High birth rates, declining death rates, rapid population growth.
- Stage 3 (late industrial): Declining birth rates, low death rates, slower population growth.
- Stage 4 (post-industrial): Low birth and death rates, low or zero population growth.
Population pyramids visualize age and sex distributions within a population. Wider bases indicate more young people, while narrower bases signal an aging population.

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another.
Push factors encourage people to leave a place (e.g., poverty, war, famine).
Pull factors attract people to a new place (e.g., economic opportunities, better living conditions, political stability).
Types of migration include:
- Internal migration: Movement within a country.
- International migration: Movement between countries.
- Forced migration: Movement due to persecution, disaster, or conflict, often involuntary.
- Voluntary migration: Movement by choice.
Consequences of migration include remittances (money sent home), demographic shifts, cultural exchange, and social tensions.
Ravenstein's Laws of Migration outline patterns, such as most migrants moving short distances, and migration flows creating counter-flows.
Chain migration occurs when migrants follow established routes or networks of prior migrants.
Guest worker programs allow temporary migration for specific jobs.

Political factors, like government policies and regulations, strongly influence population patterns.
Economic opportunities significantly impact migration trends, driving relocation for better employment and living standards.
Policies concerning birth control, immigration, and education influence population dynamics.
Urbanization, city growth, is linked to migration patterns, economic opportunities, and quality of life.
Global cities act as centers of economic activity, attracting migrants seeking employment and opportunities.

Culture significantly influences population practices (e.g., religious beliefs impacting family size).
Cultural differences and religious values affect fertility rates and child mortality.
Cultural factors shape settlement patterns, influencing preferences for rural or urban living.