AP Human Geography: Population Unit Free Response Questions

1. The Demographic Transition Model: A. List and describe the four stages of the demographic transition model. B. Give ONE example of a country that used to be or is currently in each stage. C. Explain why stages two and three describe the actual stages of change within a population. D. Discuss at least 2 reasons (related to the demographic transition model) why it is so difficult to reach international agreements on population policies.

2. Migration: A. List and briefly describe the major push and pull factors in migration. B. Give TWO “real life” examples of push factors and TWO “real life” examples of pull factors. Be sure to explain why they are examples.

3. Population Concentrations A. List and describe each of the four major population clusters of the world. In your description, be sure to include the major countries within each cluster as well as what makes this cluster unique. B. Describe two ways in which each of these regions are similar.

4. Country Study: Mali Population Birth Rate Death Rate Infant Mortality Life Total Fertility Rate Expectancy Rate 12,666,987 49.15 15.82 102.05 50.35 7.29

A. What is the natural increase rate of Mali? Is this a high or low natural increase? B. Given the information above, in what stage on the demographic transition model is Mali? Explain how you know. C. What does the infant mortality rate say about a country? D. What possible issues does Mali likely face due to its natural increase rate and other demographic trends? How could Mali best go about seeking to improve its conditions for the future?

5. Overpopulation A. Who is Thomas Malthus, and what were his views on overpopulation. B. What do Neo-Malthusians believe? C. Describe some of the arguments of Malthus’s critics. D. In order for population growth rates to decline, either the CBR must fall or CDR must rise. Describe two strategies for reducing birth rates. Describe one “real life” example of death rates being increased. Be sure to explain where and how this is happening. 6. The diagrams above are age-sex pyramids for the populations of Brazil, Japan and Sweden in the years shown.

1. For each country: a. Describe the main features of its population in the year shown. b. Identify the demographic characteristics and processes of population change that have resulted in the age and sex composition of its population.

2. For either Brazil (in 1960) or Sweden (in 1935): a. Discuss the problems that face the government of the country. b. Outline the steps that the government could take to overcome these problems.