- Role of women – female access to education and employment delays age of starting families. Educated women more likely to make choices about family size. HICs have lower birth rates and lower fertility rates (1.89 in UK compared to 6.6 in Niger).
- Attitudes towards marriage – young marriage culture means more likely to have children sooner and for longer. In Niger ¾ of girls are married before 18th.
- Religion – varying views on birth control and abortion. Catholic church condemns contraception, more likely to have bigger families.
- Policies – population change has forced governments to act. Growth in France is low, so government introduced subsidised childcare to encourage larger families. China experienced one-child-policy to reduce birth rate for over 30 yrs.
- UK – Stage 4 of DTM (Contrasting Physical/Human Settings):
- Low birth rate (12.1/1000py) and low death rate (9.4/1000py).
- Growing at about 0.5% per year.
- Temperate climate and fertile soils – lots of arable land and reliable food supply.
- Relatively high rainfall means steady water supply for most regions.
- Low-lying flat land makes it easier to grow crops and transport resources.
- Rich in natural resources like coal and various minerals. This helped the country to industrialise and develop a diverse economy.
- Surrounded by ocean – easy access to fish and international shipping trade.
- Education is compulsory until 18 regardless of gender. Low fertility rate (1.9) due to women waiting until after education.
- Female workforce is high (70% have a job) delaying average age of conception.
- Most use contraception due to it being widely accessible and encouraged to use in education – have control over how many children and when.
- NHS accessible for whole population. High life expectancy – 79.5 (men) 82 (women).
- Uganda – Stage 2 of DTM (Contrasting Physical/Human Settings):
- High birth rate (43.3/1000py) and lower death rate (10.4/1000py).
- Population increase of 3.2% per year. 5th fastest growing population.
- Hot and humid climate and moderate rainfall making it ideal for crops like bananas, sugar and coffee, however north has dry season limiting agricultural productivity.
- Soil isn’t very fertile, meaning food production is low.
- Landlocked – limited access to international trade however borders largest lake in Africa which supports fishing industry.
- Fertility rate high (5.8) due to gender inequalities in education and employment opportunities meaning average age of first conception is 19 years old.
- Lack of access to birth control and government support for family planning services.
- Infant mortality is high due to poor medical care. Parents have more children to make up for this fact.
- Death rate has fallen due to advancements in healthcare/sanitation, but lack of education and family planning means population is rapidly increasing.