Content

Population Demographics

Demographic Data

Demographic Data Interactivity

When geographers study local and global populations, they examine population characteristics called demographics. This data helps geographers compare different populations and identify potential patterns. In this interactivity, you will examine several types of demographic data. Click the player to begin.

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Population Growth

Population Growth Interactivity

Finding trends in demographic data helps geographers identify influences on population growth. In this interactivity, you will explore connections between demographic trends and population growth. Click the player to begin.

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Indicators of Economic Development

Economic development varies among countries. It can also vary among places within the same country. A region's level of economic development helps predict quality of life and population growth rate. Geographers use demographics to show economic development. These include Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, educational achievement, and labor force.

The urban-rural ratio is the percentage of a population that lives in cities and metropolitan areas, versus the percentage that lives in the countryside and small towns. Cities are more economically developed than rural areas. Thus, a higher rate of urbanization means a higher level of economic development.

GDP per capita is the average amount of income each person in a country produces. This number is determined by dividing a country’s entire GDP by the number of people who live there. A high GDP per capita is the result of a strong economy.

Educational achievement describes the highest level of education an individual has completed. For example, primary/elementary school, secondary/high school, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate degree. Low average educational achievement indicates lower levels of economic development.

Labor force characteristics are based on the number of people working in specific industries. They can be broken down into four sectors:

Generally, less economically developed areas have a labor force dominated by the primary sector. More economically developed regions have a larger percentage of its labor force in the tertiary and quaternary sectors.

Developed and Developing Countries

Developed and Developing Countries Interactivity

You likely have heard countries described as "developed" or "developing." Do you know what those terms mean? Geographers use these terms to categorize nations based on population characteristics. In this interactivity, you will examine demographics typical of developed and developing countries. Click the player to begin.

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Population Demographics Review

Population Demographics Review Interactivity

Now that you have learned about population demographics, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player button to get started.