1.2: Overpopulation and Underpopulation

Overpopulation:

When the total number of people living in a country exceeds the available resources, it is considered overpopulation. 

Example: Nigeria

Underpopulation:

When the total number of people living in a country is less than the available resources in the country, it is considered underpopulation.

 Example: Australia

Optimum population:

The size of the population that permits the full utilisation of the natural resources of an area, giving maximum per capita output and standard of living. (The availability of resources is enough for the total population living in a country.)

Case Study 1:

Niger – Overpopulated Country

• The Republic of Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa named after the Niger River. Its climate is mainly very hot and dry with many desert areas. It is an LEDC and is one of the poorest countries in the world.

  
  

• The population of Niger has grown from 1.7 million in 1960 to over 13 million in 2008. With a high population growth rate of 2.9%, it is expected to reach 56 million by 2050. Niger has the highest fertility rate in the world, with 7.1 births per woman. Approximately 90% of the total workforce is engaged in agriculture, 6% in industry, and 4% in services. The birth rate is 49.6, and the death rate is 20.3.

Problems faced by people in Niger (and other overpopulated countries):

• People do not have enough natural resources or raw materials

• Lack of fuel/power (Example: Electricity)

  
  

• Lack of work and poverty prevail

  
  

• Not enough food supplies – people suffer from starvation and famine

  
  

• Poor access to education

  
  

• Poor access to healthcare – only a few hospitals

  
  

• High levels of disease and high death rates prevail

  
  

• Housing is overcrowded, and there is not enough space for housing

  
  

• Many squatter settlements are found

  
  

• Traffic congestion

  
  

• Atmospheric and water pollution cause health problems

  
  

• Inadequate water supply and lack of sanitation

  
  

• Agricultural land overused

  
  

• Overgrazing and disputes over agricultural land or places to live

Case Study 2:

Australia – The Consequences of Under-population

Australia has only 20 million people with an area of 7.7 million sq. km. The population density of Australia is only 0.4 per sq. km. Many areas of Australia are empty, and the resources are not being used fully. Successive Australian governments have tried to increase their population to develop the country economically and to protect it from foreign influences.

The consequences of under-population:

• Fewer working people in the country

• Economic growth will be stagnant due to a lack of working people

  
  

• Available resources will be unexploited

  
  

• Lack of people in the defence sector

  
  

• Huge expenses on old age people for old age homes and other maintenance

  
  

• Positive aspect: No unemployment, like in overpopulated countries

  
  

• No pressure on social services, so everyone will get proper infrastructure and facilities

  
  

• No overcrowding; the environment will be more peaceful and cleaner

Case Study 3:

Indonesia – Rapid Growth of Population

Indonesia has the 4th largest population in the world, and the Government of Indonesia is worried and concerned about its rapid population growth. The government has introduced family planning and taken up other measures to reduce population growth. However, due to many reasons, the population is still alarmingly increasing.

Problems caused by rapid population growth:

Lack of job opportunities – Indonesia is not a well-developed country, and the majority of the population depends on the primary sector. The total number of workers in the secondary and tertiary sectors is comparatively less. Indonesia has a large population, but job opportunities are quite few, and many people do not have sustainable jobs for their daily life. The lack of availability of work leads to poverty.

Inadequate food supplies – Many people are very poor due to a lack of job opportunities in the industries and other sectors. Many people live in shanty houses where there is no proper drainage or safe drinking water. Due to a lack of job opportunities, people do not get enough food supplies, which causes death by malnutrition.

Poor access to education – Poor access to education is making people remain unqualified and unable to find jobs in MNCs and TNCs. Due to a lack of proper education, there is a less skilled and expert workforce, and resources remain unexploited.

Poor access to healthcare – There are not enough doctors and hospitals to meet the high annual population growth. Poor access to healthcare leads to high death rates.

Traffic congestion – Traffic congestion is becoming a serious problem, especially in Jakarta. Every year, the population increases due to natural growth and migration from rural areas to Jakarta city. The number of vehicles is increasing every year, which is leading to traffic congestion.

Inadequate water – As Jakarta is located on an island, drinking water is difficult to tap from the ground due to high salt content. People have to buy drinking water, but the poor cannot afford it. Drinking water is another rare commodity for the people living on the island.

Overcrowded housing – There is not enough housing for immigrants from other islands to Jakarta, and thus, squatter settlements are found in many parts of the city. There are not enough basic amenities due to overcrowded housing.

Other problems – Air pollution, drainage problems, and frequent floods during heavy rainfall in Jakarta.

Written by Zemen

Edited by Krithigka Gobbi