This is a model which shows how population has changed over time. It shows how birth rate and death rate have influenced the total population of a place and changed over the years.
It studies how birth rate and death rate affect the total population of a country. It shows marked differences between LEDCs and MEDCs.
LEDC - Less developed country
MEDC - More economically developed country
As a country passes through the demographic transition model, the total population increases
All country’s populations move through the stages of the model. Some move more quickly than others, so different countries are at different stages.
Stage 1:
Birth and death rates are very high
No large population growth
No education or birth control
Lack of hygiene
Large families
Stage 2:
High birth rates but low death rates
Healthcare improves
Less infants die
More transport and medical care
Improved sanitation
Stage 3:
Birth rates and death rates decrease
Better education
Low infant mortality
Birth control
Less children need to work
Stage 4:
Stable population
More deaths than births
Good education and hygeine
Birth control available
Desire for small family
Stage 5:
Population is high but declining
Ageing population
Less births and more deaths
Population will decrease because of low birth rates
Women have financial independance
Contraception is the act of preventing pregnancy
The aim of the demographic transition model is to measure levels of development
A development index measures a countries performance according to specific development indicators