Problems associated with Youthful Populations

Whilst several countries in the MEDW are experiencing the increase in an ageing population and its inherent socio-economic problems, many countries in the developing world are experiencing the phenomenon of a 'youthful population'. This too has inherent socio economic benefits and problems.


There are several problems associated with youthful dependency (0 - 14 years):


1. Pressure on housing – not enough housing, people living in slums. This is very common around the big cities (New Delhi), where millions of people live in shanty towns with no running water, roads, sewage of any kind.

2. Pressure on schooling – illiterate population. India’s literacy rate is 60%, Cambodia’s literacy rate is 69%.

3. Pressure on food supplies - famine, food distribution difficulties. Natural disasters accentuate this problem e.g. droughts


4. Potential for further population growth as these young people grow older, get married and have children. This will contine to add pressure to schooling, food supplies, housing and health services.


5. Pressure on health services – a growth in diseases being spread around and not being dealt with adequatly to stop the spread.


6. Pressure on working populations (economically active) to support the young and old.



Benefits


Click on the link here and make notes on the benefits associated with a country going through the transitional window of a youthful population.



Read the articles linked below then answer the question for homework.






India's Population Bulge







India's Youthful Population


India's Demographic Bonus





HOMEWORK

Answer the following in Word and email to SD@gsal.org.uk



Using examples describe and explain the consequences of a youthful population (12)