Population, distribution, growth and changeInformation on developed countries
Social and economic indicators of development influence population growth including birth rates and death rates whilst physical and human factors affect population distribution in a country.
In developed countries like the UK both birth rates and death rates are low.
Birth rates are low because:
Women's status has improved.
contraceptionAny form of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. and family planningWhen people plan when to have children. is more readily available.
More career and job opportunities for women.
The cost of raising a family has increased.
More people are entering into relationships later, so there is less opportunity to have large families.
Death rates are low because of:
Advances in modern medicine.
Vaccinations against diseases, eg measles.
Improvements in water and sanitationMeasures to help cleanliness and hygiene. .
Enhanced food production and storage.
Better transport for food.
Lower infant mortality rateThe number of children who die before the age of one..
The population in the developed world is therefore fairly stable and neither rising nor falling significantly.
