(a) Define the following terms: (i) optimum population; (ii) over-population; (iii) population density (b) The total population of country Q in the year 1998 was 4 million. If the land area of country Q is 400,000 km2, calculate the population density of country Q (c) Highlight four disadvantages of the population density calculated in (b) above on the economy of country
Explanation
(a) DEFINITION OF TERMS (i) OPTIMUM POPULATION:- Optimum Population is the number of people that can be supported by the available resources in an area so as to achieve the highest possible standard of living. (ii) OVER- POPULATION:- Over-population is a situation whereby the population is considered too large for the available resources for people to enjoy the highest possible standard of living. (iii) POPULATION DENSITY:- Population Density is the number of people per unit area of land. This can be calculated by using the following formula- = (Population) (Land area). (b) Population density of country Q Formula= Population Land area 4,000,000 400,000 10 persons per km2 • (c) DISADVANTAGES OF THE DENSITY CALCULATED IN (b) (a) Inadequate labour force (b) Inadequate market for manufactured goods (c) It is a very low population. (d) Underutilization of available resources (e) Low level cf output from agriculture (f) Low level of investment by government and individuals (g) Low level of development (h) Deterioration of infrastructure (i) Low revenue (j) Low level of output from industries (k) Defense made difficult in case of attack.
