5.3

Population

Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455)  · Unit 5: Economic development  · 9 flashcards

Population is topic 5.3 in the Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455) syllabus , positioned in Unit 5 — Economic development , alongside Living standards, Poverty and Differences in economic development.  In one line: Population refers to the total number of individuals residing in a specific geographic area (e.g., country, region) at a given time. It's a crucial factor influencing resource availability, demand, and overall economic activity.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Paper 2 (structured questions, including data-response items).

The deck below contains 9 flashcards — 3 definitions, 3 key concepts and 3 application cards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.  Use the 3 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.

Key definition

'population' in economics

Population refers to the total number of individuals residing in a specific geographic area (e.g., country, region) at a given time. It's a crucial factor influencing resource availability, demand, and overall economic activity.

Example: the population of the UK is roughly 67 million people.

Questions this Population deck will help you answer

Definition Flip

Define 'population' in economics.

Answer Flip

Population refers to the total number of individuals residing in a specific geographic area (e.g., country, region) at a given time. It's a crucial factor influencing resource availability, demand, and overall economic activity.

Example: the population of the UK is roughly 67 million people.
Key Concept Flip

Explain how birth rate and death rate influence population growth.

Answer Flip

Population growth is primarily determined by the difference between the birth rate (number of births per 1,000 people) and the death rate (number of deaths per 1,000 people). A higher birth rate than death rate leads to positive population growth, while the opposite leads to decline.

Example: a country with a birth rate of 20 and a death rate of 10 has a natural population increase of 10 per 1,000 people.
Definition Flip

What is 'net migration' and how does it affect population size?

Answer Flip

Net migration is the difference between immigration (people entering a country) and emigration (people leaving a country). Positive net migration increases population size, while negative net migration decreases it.

Example: if 500,000 people immigrate to a country and 200,000 emigrate, the net migration is 300,000, increasing the population.
Key Concept Flip

Outline the characteristics of an 'ageing population'.

Answer Flip

An ageing population is characterized by an increasing median age and a higher proportion of elderly people (typically 65+) relative to younger age groups. This demographic shift often leads to increased healthcare costs and a shrinking labor force. Japan is an example of a country with a rapidly ageing population.

Definition Flip

Define the 'dependency ratio' and explain its significance.

Answer Flip

The dependency ratio is the proportion of dependents (those under 15 and over 64) to the working-age population (15-64). A high dependency ratio indicates a greater burden on the working population to support the dependent population.

Example: if a country has 40 dependents for every 100 working-age people, the dependency ratio is 40%.
Key Concept Flip

Explain the concept of 'optimum population'.

Answer Flip

Optimum population is the size of the population that allows for the highest level of per capita output and standard of living, given available resources and technology. It is a theoretical concept, as it's difficult to determine precisely. A population exceeding the optimum may strain resources and lower living standards, while a population below the optimum may lack sufficient labor and demand.

Key Concept Flip

Discuss two economic consequences of rapid population growth in a developing country.

Answer Flip

Rapid population growth can strain limited resources like food, water, and housing, leading to shortages and poverty. It can also put pressure on education and healthcare systems, reducing the quality of these services.

Example: increased unemployment and lower wages due to a surplus of labor.
Key Concept Flip

Analyze two potential economic problems caused by an ageing population.

Answer Flip

An ageing population can lead to a shrinking labor force, potentially slowing economic growth. Increased demand for healthcare and pension benefits also puts a strain on government finances, possibly requiring higher taxes or reduced spending in other areas.

Example: Japan experiencing increased healthcare costs.
Key Concept Flip

Explain how government policies can influence population growth rates.

Answer Flip

Governments can influence population growth through policies such as family planning programs, which promote smaller families, or incentives for larger families. Immigration policies also significantly affect population size and demographic structure. For instance, China's one-child policy (now relaxed) aimed to curb population growth.

Review the material

Read revision notes with definitions, equations, and exam tips.

Read Notes

Test yourself

Practice with MCQ questions to check your understanding.

Take Economics Quiz
5.2 Poverty 5.4 Differences in economic development

Key Questions: Population

Define 'population' in economics.

Population refers to the total number of individuals residing in a specific geographic area (e.g., country, region) at a given time. It's a crucial factor influencing resource availability, demand, and overall economic activity.

Example: the population of the UK is roughly 67 million people.
What is 'net migration' and how does it affect population size?

Net migration is the difference between immigration (people entering a country) and emigration (people leaving a country). Positive net migration increases population size, while negative net migration decreases it.

Example: if 500,000 people immigrate to a country and 200,000 emigrate, the net migration is 300,000, increasing the population.
Define the 'dependency ratio' and explain its significance.

The dependency ratio is the proportion of dependents (those under 15 and over 64) to the working-age population (15-64). A high dependency ratio indicates a greater burden on the working population to support the dependent population.

Example: if a country has 40 dependents for every 100 working-age people, the dependency ratio is 40%.

More topics in Unit 5 — Economic development

Population sits alongside these Economics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

5.1 Living standards

9 flashcards
5.2 Poverty

9 flashcards
5.4 Differences in economic development

9 flashcards

Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers

These are the official Cambridge 0455 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.

population population growth birth rate death rate net migration ageing population dependency ratio optimum population

Key terms covered in this Population deck

Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.

'population' in economics
'net migration' and how does it affect population size
The 'dependency ratio' and explain its significance

How to study this Population deck

Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.