In LEDC's

In MEDC's

Before looking at the Population growth, it is important to understand the reasons why people in LEDC's have large families.

• Children are needed to work on the land and grow food or for income for the family

• Few people  have access to pensions so rely on their children to keep them in old age or when sick

• Many children die when they are young so a couple will have 8 children in the hope that 4 will survive

• The most popular religions in poor countries - Islam and Catholicism disprove of birth control and encourage large families

• Birth control methods may not be available

• Poor education especially of girls

In MEDC's the major problem is that of an ageing population and the reduction of the birth rate. The main reasons are

• Higher living standards and better healthcare has meant that people are living longer

• As most children being born survive until old age less children are being born

• As women have the same rights as men they are putting off having children till later in life

• Children cost a great deal of money - The average cost is estimated at £165,000 from birth to 18 yrs

• People do not have to rely on children as they have good pensions and the country provides lots of services for the old age pensioners

• Many now have access to birth control methods, are educated and now have the choice of a career or a materialistic lifestyle.

• At present the average number of children per couple in Italy, Spain & the UK is 1.3 - replacement level is 2.1

The Main Facts

• Population - 1.3 billion - highest in the world

• In 1970 families were asked to limit families to two children

• The One child policy became law in 1979

• Women must be 25 before they can marry

• Permission must be given before people can marry and have children

• Free health care, childcare, education and better pensions provided for those who comply with new laws

• Fines for parents who have two or more children

• Forced abortions and sterilisation have been reported

What are the Effects

• Birth rates fell from 33 per 1000 to 16 per 1000

• Population growth is slowing down

• It has worked in the towns but not so successful in the countryside

• Boys are more valued than girls and there has been talk of genocide taking place especially of the girls

• The population is becoming unbalanced - 110 males for every 100 females

• The little emperor syndrome has developed with boys being spoilt

•  Males are having problems finding a wife

• The ageing population will cause dependency problems in the future

What are the main facts?

• In the UK the proportion of people retired will grow from 20% in 2000 to 40% by 2040

• In Italy the country spends 19% of its GNP on the pensioners who make up 18% of the population - In 2025 it is estimated that 25% will be pensioners and 33% of GNP will have to be spent on them

• Pensioners are costing more money due to residential homes, health care, social services (home helps etc), increased long term illnesses such as Alzheimer's and they take up a lot more of a Doctor's financial budget & time

Problems Facing the Elderly

• Many have to live alone - especially women

• Most cannot afford the cost of residential homes and have to sell their homes to fund it

• There are long waits for hospital care

• Those in rural areas have problems getting around due to being too old to drive and few bus services

• Those living in urban areas are fearful of crime