GED Social Studies TestGeography and the WorldMedium
A geographer is studying a country with a high birth rate, a high death rate, and a relatively young population structure. This country has not yet experienced significant industrialization or urbanization. According to the Demographic Transition Model, which stage is this country most likely in?
- AStage 3: Late Expanding
- BStage 2: Early Expanding
- CStage 1: High Stationary
- DStage 4: Low Stationary
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Stage 1: High Stationary
Stage 1 of the Demographic Transition Model is characterized by high birth rates and high death rates, resulting in a relatively stable but young population. This stage is typical of pre-industrial societies with limited access to healthcare and family planning.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Stage 3 sees birth rates begin to fall, while death rates remain low, leading to slower population growth.
- B. Stage 2 sees death rates fall due to improved healthcare, while birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth.
- D. Stage 4 has low birth rates and low death rates, resulting in a stable or slowly growing, aging population.
Demographic Transition Model (DTM)
A model describing population change over time based on observed changes in birth and death rates due to economic and social development.
- Five stages of transition
- Relates to industrialization and modernization
- Explains shifts from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates
- Influences population growth and age structure
Memory trick: Birth and death rates shift, through stages population lift.