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i) Country A is a developing country as the age-sex pyramid displays a triangle shaped structure,

indicating that the older age classes (active workforce) is successively smaller than the younger
classes (dependent age groups). The narrow shape in the oldest age classes indicate that there are
very little elderly population in comparison to the other age groups which suggests a low life
expectancy, possibly due to inadequate pension schemes and/or poor healthcare system in the
country. It can be inferred that the wide base is representative of there being a high fertility rate, in
that the number of children birthed per woman is high, a common feature of developing countries.

1 Pre reproductive age groups 0 41 5 91,110 14


Total percentage 8 8 818 717
16 t 16 t 14
46
Pre reproductive age 345 000 approx
fo x 750,001

iii) 1. Migration Patterns:


- Temperature fluctuations can instigate seasonal migration as people seek relief from extreme
weather. For example, in the summer, residents of the scorching Arizona desert may migrate to
cooler regions, like northern states or coastal areas.
- In colder climates, people might move south to escape harsh winters, as seen in "snowbirds"
who flock to warmer states such as Florida.

2. Agricultural Productivity:
- Temperature plays a pivotal role in crop growth. Warmer temperatures are conducive to
agriculture, so populations tend to cluster in regions with favourable conditions, like the fertile plains
of the Midwest in the United States.
- Conversely, in regions with harsh winters like Russia's Siberia, agriculture can be limited,
affecting the population distribution and necessitating imports of food.

3. Health Impacts:
- Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, displacing populations temporarily. For
instance, during heatwaves, hospitals in cities like New York may see an influx of patients with heat-
related issues.
- Cold temperatures can increase the incidence of respiratory illnesses like the flu, affecting
work activities and putting pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in colder regions like
Scandinavia.

4. Energy Consumption:
- Temperature extremes drive variations in energy consumption. In extremely hot regions, such
as the Middle East, high air conditioning usage spikes energy demand and costs.
- In cold climates like Canada, substantial energy resources are dedicated to heating,
impacting both the economy and individuals' budgets.

5. Tourism and Recreation:


- Warm, sunny climates often attract tourists and retirees. Bali and the Caribbean, for example,
experiences a surge in population and tourism during the dry, warm season.
- Conversely, regions like the Swiss Alps become thriving hubs for winter sports tourism during
the snowy, cold months, affecting local activities and services.

6. Economic Productivity:
- Temperature influences outdoor work activities and industries. In the sweltering heat of the
Gulf countries, outdoor labourers often experience reduced work hours during the hottest parts of the
day.
- In extremely cold regions, like Siberia, industrial activities and economic productivity may be
limited due to harsh weather conditions, affecting job availability and opportunities.

iv) In 2012, Guyana had the fastest growing population. A high infant mortality rate and a fast-
growing population are interconnected through several key factors that influence the health and well-
being of infants in a given region.

Lack of healthcare infrastructure plays a significant role. In areas with rapidly growing populations,
there may be an insufficient number of healthcare facilities, medical professionals, and resources
available to provide adequate prenatal and postnatal care. As a result, preventable health issues may
go untreated, leading to higher infant mortality rates.

Limited access to healthcare is another critical factor. Rapid population growth can strain existing
healthcare systems, making it challenging for a significant portion of the population to access
essential medical services, including prenatal and neonatal care. This limited access can result in
undiagnosed or poorly managed health problems during pregnancy and infancy.

Nutritional challenges often accompany fast population growth. Families may struggle to provide
adequate nutrition to infants due to resource constraints. Malnutrition can have a direct impact on
infant mortality rates, as undernourished infants are more vulnerable to health complications.

Higher fertility rates are frequently observed in areas with rapid population growth. This means that
families may have larger numbers of children. Larger families can make it difficult for parents to
allocate sufficient time, attention, and resources to each child, potentially affecting the overall health
and survival of infants.

Overcrowding and sanitation issues are also linked to rapid population growth. In densely populated
areas with inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding and poor sanitation can contribute to the spread
of diseases, which can directly impact the health and survival of infants.

Poverty and socio-economic factors are intertwined with both high infant mortality rates and rapid
population growth. A rapidly growing population may be associated with increased poverty and lower
socio-economic development. Poverty limits access to healthcare, proper nutrition, and sanitation, all
of which can contribute to higher infant mortality rates.

v) The relationship between per capita GDP (Gross Domestic Product per person) and the level of
poverty in a country is often interlinked. Generally, there is a positive correlation between per capita
GDP and the level of poverty. Higher per capita GDP typically indicates greater economic prosperity
and more resources available for social welfare programs, education, and healthcare. As a result,
countries with higher per capita GDP tend to have lower levels of poverty as they can allocate more
resources to poverty reduction initiatives.
Higher per capita GDP can lead to poverty reduction through increased employment opportunities,
higher wages, and improved living standards. When a country's GDP per capita rises, it can support
social safety nets, infrastructure development, and access to quality education and healthcare, all of
which play a vital role in alleviating poverty.

It's essential to note that per capita GDP alone does not tell the whole story. Disparities in wealth
distribution within a country can mean that even in high GDP per capita countries, pockets of poverty
may persist. Additionally, the effectiveness of poverty reduction policies, governance, and social
systems also influence the poverty level. Thus, while per capita GDP is a significant factor, a
comprehensive approach to poverty reduction considers multiple factors to address the issue
effectively.

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