Demographic Transition Model Questions
Developed and developing countries differ in several demographic characteristics.
1. Population Growth: Developing countries generally have higher population growth rates due to higher birth rates and lower death rates. In contrast, developed countries have lower population growth rates or even negative growth rates due to lower birth rates and higher life expectancy.
2. Age Structure: Developing countries tend to have a younger population with a higher proportion of children and adolescents. In contrast, developed countries have an aging population with a higher proportion of older individuals.
3. Fertility Rates: Developing countries usually have higher fertility rates, resulting in larger family sizes and higher dependency ratios. Developed countries have lower fertility rates, leading to smaller family sizes and lower dependency ratios.
4. Life Expectancy: Developed countries have higher life expectancies due to better healthcare systems, nutrition, and overall living conditions. Developing countries often have lower life expectancies due to limited access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and higher prevalence of diseases.
5. Urbanization: Developing countries experience rapid urbanization as people migrate from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities. Developed countries already have a high level of urbanization, with a significant proportion of the population living in cities.
6. Education and Literacy: Developed countries generally have higher literacy rates and better access to education, including higher levels of enrollment in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Developing countries often face challenges in providing quality education and achieving high literacy rates.
7. Income and Poverty: Developed countries have higher average incomes and lower poverty rates compared to developing countries. Developing countries often struggle with income inequality, high poverty rates, and limited access to basic necessities.
It is important to note that these characteristics can vary among countries within each category, and some developing countries may exhibit certain characteristics more similar to developed countries.