What are the characteristics of a rapidly growing population?

A rapidly growing population is characterised by a high birth rate, low death rate, and a young age structure.

A rapidly growing population typically has a high birth rate, which means there are more births than deaths. This could be due to a variety of factors such as improved healthcare, increased fertility, or cultural norms that encourage large families. The high birth rate contributes to a larger proportion of young people in the population, creating a 'youth bulge'. This is often represented in population pyramids, where the base (representing the youngest age groups) is much wider than the top (representing the older age groups).

In addition to a high birth rate, a rapidly growing population also has a low death rate. This could be due to advancements in medical technology, improved living conditions, better nutrition, and increased access to healthcare services. The low death rate means that people are living longer, which can contribute to population growth.

Another characteristic of a rapidly growing population is a young age structure. This means that a large proportion of the population is under the age of 15. This is significant because these individuals are likely to reach reproductive age in the future, further contributing to population growth. This is often referred to as 'population momentum'.

Furthermore, a rapidly growing population may also experience increased migration. This could be due to people moving to areas with better job opportunities, or fleeing from areas with poor living conditions. This can contribute to population growth in certain areas, while leading to population decline in others.

In conclusion, a rapidly growing population is characterised by a high birth rate, low death rate, a young age structure, and potentially increased migration. These factors interact in complex ways to drive population growth.