Activity 3.1 – Human Population

#1- More Developed- Region- East Asia

Country- Japan

Birth Rate- 6

Death Rate- 13

Population Growth Rate (rate of natural increase)- -0.7

Population (millions) mid-2024- 123.8

Infant Mortality Rate- 1.8

Total Fertility Rate- 1.2

Life Expectancy at Birth- Male 81, Female 87

GNI per Capita, PPP- $52,640

Medical Doctors per 10,000 Population Total- 26.1

Total Health Spending per Capita- $4,347

Explanation-

Japan has a birth rate of 6 births per 1,000 people and a death rate of 13 per 1,000, leading to a declining population. The fertility rate is 1.2, which is insufficient for population replacement. Despite a low infant mortality rate of 1.8, the overall population growth rate is negative. Life expectancy is high, at 81 years for men and 87 years for women. There are 26.1 medical doctors per 10,000 in the population showing access to healthcare. Japan's GNI is $52,640, indicating an advanced economy and developed healthcare system.  

 #2- Less Developed- Region- South Asia

Country- Afghanistan 

Birth Rate- 35

Death Rate- 6

Population Growth Rate (rate of natural increase)- 3.0

Population (millions) mid-2024- 42.6

Infant Mortality Rate- 46

Total Fertility Rate- 4.8

Life Expectancy at Birth- Male 64, Female 68

GNI per Capita, PPP- $2,100

Medical Doctors per 10,000 Population Total- 2.5

Total Health Spending per Capita- $81

Explanation-

      The data shows us that Afghanistan has a rapidly growing population rate, with a high birth rate of 35 births per 1,000 population, along with a high fertility rate of 4.8 children per woman. The country has a high infant mortality rate of 46 deaths per 1,000 births, which shows us little access to healthcare and maternal care. The data shows a low life expectancy, with males being 64 and females being 68. The country has 2.5 medical doctors per 10,000 people and only $81 in health spending. The high birth rate, increasing population, low GNI, and little access to health care show a less developed and struggling country.    

COMPARE AND CONTRAST:

 Japan and Afghanistan differ regarding their demography, healthcare, and economies. Japan has an aging population, with a low crude birth rate and a low fertility rate (1.2), leading to a shrinking population. This contributes to the country’s negative natural increase and the need for zero population growth strategies. Japan's high life expectancy (81 years for men, 87 for women) and low infant mortality rate (1.8 per 1,000 births) reflect its advanced healthcare system. The country spends a lot on healthcare ($4,347 per person) and has many doctors (26.1 per 10,000 people), which helps maintain good health outcomes. Japan’s strong economy, with a high GNI per capita ($52,640), supports these services. However, the low fertility rate also indicates a desired fertility below the replacement fertility rate (2.1). As a result, Japan faces challenges related to an aging population, including a higher dependency ratio.

On the other hand, Afghanistan has a young, growing population with a high birth rate and total fertility rate (4.8). However, the country struggles with healthcare, reflected in its high infant mortality rate (46 per 1,000 births) and low life expectancy (64 years for men, 68 for women). Afghanistan spends only $81 per person on healthcare, and there are only 2.5 doctors per 10,000 people, making it difficult for people to access medical care. The country’s low GNI per capita ($2,100) limits its ability to improve health services, resulting in poorer health outcomes. The high fertility rate contributes to a rapidly growing population, which increases pressure on already strained resources. The low economic development also affects access to education, including family planning services. Pronatalist pressures in Afghanistan may encourage large families, while the lack of desired fertility options like birth control and abortions leaves women with limited reproductive autonomy. Afghanistan’s cultural and religious norms also play a role in shaping women’s roles in society, limiting their access to family planning and contributing to the country's population growth. While Japan and Afghanistan differ in many ways, both countries face significant challenges related to their population dynamics. Japan's shrinking population could lead to a smaller workforce and labor shortages.

In contrast, Afghanistan has a rapidly growing population that struggles with limited access to healthcare and resources, partly due to its low economic development. The low birth rate in Japan suggests that many women may be prioritizing education and careers over having children, supported by higher income levels and better access to healthcare, including birth control, contraceptives, and abortions. On the other hand, women in Afghanistan likely have limited access to healthcare, and services like birth control and abortions may be either unavailable or illegal due to cultural and religious norms. These factors contribute to the country’s high fertility rate and demographic pressures. Cultural and religious influences in both countries shape women’s roles in society and their access to family planning, influencing the distinct demographic trends in each nation.

#3 World

Birth Rate- 16

Death Rate- 8

Population Growth Rate (rate of natural increase)- 0.9

Population (millions) mid-2024- 8,083

Infant Mortality Rate- 27

Total Fertility Rate- 2.2

Life Expectancy at Birth- Male 71 Female 76

GNI per Capita, PPP- $22,855

Medical Doctors per 10,000 Population Total- 17.83

Total Health Spending per Capita- $1, 260

Comparison-

    When we compare Japan and Afghanistan to the world averages, we see some apparent differences in population, healthcare, and economy. Japan’s birth rate (6 per 1,000 people) and total fertility rate (1.2) are much lower than the global average of 16 per 1,000 and 2.2, meaning Japan’s population is shrinking. Japan also has a much higher life expectancy (81 years for men, 87 for women) compared to the world average of 71 years for men and 76 for women. Japan’s infant mortality rate (1.8 per 1,000 births) is much lower than the global average of 27. On the other hand, Afghanistan has a high birth rate (35 per 1,000 people) and a total fertility rate of 4.8, which is higher than the world’s average. This means Afghanistan’s population is growing quickly. However, Afghanistan’s life expectancy (64 years for men, 68 for women) and infant mortality rate (46 per 1,000 births) are much worse than the world averages, showing that its healthcare system faces many problems. Afghanistan also has a much lower GNI per capita ($2,100) and spends much less on healthcare ($81 per person) compared to the world averages of $22,855 and $1,260. While Japan deals with an aging population and labor shortages, Afghanistan faces a growing population with limited healthcare and economic resources. Both countries show how different they are from the world averages regarding their population growth, healthcare, and economy.

Resources-

Population Reference Bureau. (2024). 2024 world population data sheet. https://2024-wpds.prb.org/data-sheet-download/

Links to an external site.

        Grammarly, www.grammarly.com/grammar-check.

    Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia.