A “large population” typically refers to a significant number of individuals living within a particular geographic area, region, or country.
The concept of a population that is large is relative and can vary depending on the context and the scale of reference.
- Definition of “Large”: The term “large” is subjective and can differ based on the context. What constitutes a large population in one region or country may be considered a small population in another.
- Global Population: At the global level, the human population is considered large, with billions of individuals inhabiting various countries and continents. As of September 2021, the world’s population was estimated to be over 7.8 billion people. This number has likely increased since then.
National and Regional Populations: Within individual countries and regions, populations can vary widely. For instance, countries like China and India have exceptional populations, each exceeding one billion people. In contrast, some small island nations may have populations numbering only in the thousands.
Impact and Challenges: populations with a high percentage of youths can have significant economic, social, and environmental impacts. They can contribute to economic growth and innovation but may also strain resources, infrastructure, and healthcare systems. Managing and providing for the needs of large people can present challenges related to food security, healthcare access, education, and urbanization.
Demographic Trends: The growth rate and age structure of a population can influence its characteristics. Populations with a high birth rate and a youthful age structure may experience rapid growth, while those with a declining birth rate and an ageing population may face different demographic challenges.
Urbanization: It often leads to urbanization as people move from rural areas to cities in search of better economic opportunities. This urbanization trend can transform landscapes, impact the environment, and influence social dynamics.
- Policy and Governance: Governments and policymakers play a crucial role in addressing the needs and challenges associated with populations. Policies related to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare are designed to meet the demands of growing populations.
- Environmental Impact: It can place pressure on natural resources and ecosystems. Sustainable resource management and environmental conservation become important considerations in regions with significant population densities.
It’s important to note that population sizes can change over time due to factors such as birth rates, death rates, migration, and government policies.
Additionally, discussions about large populations often extend beyond human populations to include considerations of animal populations, which can impact ecological balance and conservation efforts.
Large labour: A population provides a large labour force for the industries. Large market: High population source of a large market for the goods produced by the industries.
ADVANTAGES OF LARGE POPULATION
Defence: Organized army and other 1 enforcement agencies are easy to recruit in highly populated areas. Quick information dissemination Because people stay everywhere in these areas, it is very easy for information to go around quickly
Attraction to investors: Investors are attracted to areas of high population because of a large market for finished products. Urbanization:
Areas of large population do lead to urbanization. Respect from international bodies: Countries with high populations are normally respected by international bodies like W.H.O. and U.N.O. Attraction of foreign aid: Countries with high populations do enjoy foreign aid from developed countries such as the United States of America and Japan.
IMPLICATION OR DISADVANTAGES LARGE POPULATION
The economic effect of population increase or high density includes
Pressure on natural resources: Natural resources like fertile farmlands and minerals become over-exploited where there is high population growth in an area.
Increase in crime rate: Areas of high population density are usually associated with high crime rates like armed robbery, snatching and hired assassination. This may be due to a lack of jobs, hence, people resort to crimes. Insufficient food:
As a result of the high influx of people into an area, there will not be sufficient food to cater for the high population which leads to food shortage. read my post on food production here
Unemployment/underemployment: Areas of high volume population density usually do not have enough jobs for the ever-increasing influx of people. This leads to unemployment and underemployment.
Inadequate housing: High population concentration leads to poor accommodation as the houses available may not be enough for the high population.
Traffic congestion: Many people travel on the roads at the same time and this leads to traffic congestion most of the time.
Environmental pollution: Poor housing turnover of waste materials due to high level of human activities generally lead to environmental pollution.
Pressure on social amenities: Social amenities like pipe-borne water and electricity, are usually overstretched by the influx of people into an area.
Inadequate health services: As a result of high population density, there are always inadequate health services to meet or match the ever-increasing population.Reduction in the standard of living:
When a population is increasing without the corresponding increase in natural resources, it will lead to a drop in per capita income and this will lead to a poor standard of living for the people.
High cost of living: As a result of high population density, it will result in a corresponding demand for goods and services and where these are not forthcoming in sufficient quantities, it will lead to a high cost of purchasing them thereby leading to a high cost of living.
Please note that population figures can change over time due to factors like birth rates, death rates, and migration. Here are some countries known for having large populations:
- China: With over 1.4 billion people, China has the largest population of any country in the world.
- India: India is the second most populous country globally, with over 1.3 billion people.
- United States: The United States is the third most populous country, with approximately 331 million people.
- Indonesia: Indonesia, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, has a population of over 273 million people.
- Pakistan: Pakistan has a population of around 225 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in South Asia.
- Brazil: Brazil, the largest country in South America, has a population of over 213 million.
- Nigeria: Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a population exceeding 206 million.
- Bangladesh: Bangladesh, a country in South Asia, has a population of over 166 million people.
- Russia: Russia’s vast land area is home to a population of approximately 145 million people.
- Mexico: Mexico has a population of around 126 million, making it the most populous country in the Spanish-speaking world.
- Japan: Japan, an island nation in East Asia, has a population of over 126 million.
- Ethiopia: Ethiopia is one of the most populous countries in Africa, with a population exceeding 118 million.
- Philippines: The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, has a population of over 113 million.
- Egypt: Egypt, located in North Africa and the Middle East, has a population of around 104 million.
- Vietnam: Vietnam, in Southeast Asia, has a population of over 97 million.
It’s important to note that population figures can change over time, and these rankings may have shifted since my last update.
Additionally, some countries may have experienced changes in their populations due to factors like immigration, birth rates, and government policies.
For the most current population data, it is advisable to refer to authoritative sources such as the United Nations or national statistical agencies.
Migration can have a significant impact on a nation. For example, if a large number of people migrate to a particular area, the population of that area will increase. Conversely, if a large number of people migrate away from an area, the number of people living in that area will decrease. Migration can also impact the age structure of a population. For example, if a large number of young people migrate to a particular area, the median age of the people will decrease.
There are a number of factors that can influence migration. Some of the most common factors include:
- Economic opportunity: People often migrate to areas where they believe they will have better economic opportunities.
- Education: People may also migrate to areas where they have access to better education.
- Family: People may migrate to be close to family members or friends.
- War and conflict: People may also migrate to escape war and conflict.
- Natural disasters: People may also migrate to escape natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods.
Migration can have a number of positive and negative impacts on both the source and destination populations.
In the source country, migration can lead to a loss of skilled workers and a decrease in the size of the workforce. It can also lead to a decline in public services, such as schools and hospitals.
In the destination population, migration can lead to an increase in the size of the workforce and a boost to the economy. It can also lead to a more diverse population and a greater cultural exchange.
However, migration can also lead to problems in the destination, such as overcrowding, competition for jobs and housing, and social tensions.
Overall, the impact of migration on a nation is complex and depends on a number of factors. However, it is clear that migration can have a significant impact on both the source and destination
Here are some examples of how migration can impact an economy
- Economic opportunity: When people migrate to areas with better economic opportunities, it can lead to an increase in the population of those areas. This can be seen in the United States, where many people migrate from Mexico to find work.
- Education: When people migrate to areas with better education, it can lead to younger and more educated people in those areas. This can be seen in China, where many people migrate from rural areas to cities to attend university.
- Family: When people migrate to be close to family members or friends, it can lead to a more cohesive and supportive community. This can be seen in the United Kingdom, where many people migrate from India to be close to their extended families.
- War and conflict: When people migrate to escape war and conflict, it can lead to a more diverse environment in the destination country. This can be seen in Germany, where many people migrated from Syria and Afghanistan to escape the war.
