Question.
Discuss contemporary population problems of developed and developing countries. (UPPSC, 2020, 15 marks)
Answer.
An optimum population is required for the sustainable development of any country, but due to overpopulation or under-population of the country, the natural resources of the country are either depleted or unutilized, which hinders sustainable development.
High population density and heterogeneous demographics can give rise to socio-economic, political, ecological, and environmental problems in the country.
Following are the contemporary population problems of developing countries:
Crowded in the urban center:
- Due to the high population and lack of adequate opportunities in rural areas, very high rural to urban migration is seen in developing countries which makes the urban centers overpopulated.
- The high population density in an urban center leads to resource depletion, road congestion, and increased pollution levels.
- High construction activities and industrial emissions increase the level of pollution in all areas, resulting in the death of many poor people.
Low levels of sanitation and hygiene, and a low standard of living:
- Due to the high population, the level of cleanliness and hygiene often drops. Due to which maternal and child deaths increase.
High unemployment, child labor, and poverty:
- A high population leads to high unemployment and increased crime and social mistrust.
Following are the contemporary population problems of developed countries:
High Proportion of Older Population:
- Due to high life expectancy, low birth, low death rate, developed countries have a high proportion of the elderly population, which is creating many burdens like high health expenditure, high pension, low labor productivity, etc.
High Urban to Rural Migration:
- Due to overcrowding in the city people are migrating from cities to rural areas in search of a better environment.
Labor shortage:
- Due to the aging population, there is a labor shortage in the market which further increases the high wage rate thereby disrupting the economic pattern.
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