人口 (じんこう)

Definition

人口 (じんこう) refers to the population of a specific area, typically a country or region, and encompasses the total number of people living there. Understanding this term is essential when analyzing global challenges, as it relates to issues such as resource allocation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Population dynamics can significantly influence social structures, health care systems, and political stability across nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global population reached approximately 7.9 billion in 2021 and is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, raising concerns about sustainability and resource management.
2. Population density varies greatly across regions, with urban areas often experiencing higher density than rural areas, leading to challenges like housing shortages and increased pollution.
3. Aging populations in developed countries create unique challenges for health care systems and economic productivity due to a shrinking workforce.
4. Rapid population growth in developing countries can strain infrastructure and services, making it harder to meet basic needs such as education and healthcare.
5. Government policies regarding family planning and immigration can significantly impact a country's population size and structure over time.

Review Questions

• How does人口 (じんこう) influence global challenges related to resource allocation?
  • 人口 (じんこう) plays a crucial role in determining how resources are allocated globally. As populations grow, demand for essential resources like food, water, and energy increases. This heightened demand can lead to competition for resources between countries and communities, impacting economic stability and international relations. Furthermore, areas with high人口 may face greater challenges in providing adequate infrastructure and services to meet the needs of their growing populations.
• Discuss the implications of aging populations on economic development and health care systems in countries with declining出生率 (しゅっしょうりつ).
  • Aging populations due to declining出生率 (しゅっしょうりつ) pose significant challenges for economic development and health care systems. As the proportion of older individuals increases, there are fewer working-age people to support the economy through labor and taxation. This shift can lead to increased healthcare costs as older adults typically require more medical attention. Governments may need to implement policies to encourage higher birth rates or adjust immigration policies to maintain a balanced workforce.
• Evaluate the impact of rapid人口動態 (じんこうどうたい) changes on urban planning and sustainability efforts in developing nations.
  • Rapid人口動態 (じんこうどうたい) changes greatly impact urban planning and sustainability efforts in developing nations. As populations grow quickly, cities may struggle to expand infrastructure and services at a pace that meets residents' needs. This can result in overcrowding, inadequate housing, and insufficient public services like transportation and sanitation. Sustainable urban planning becomes essential to address these challenges by promoting efficient land use, improving public transit systems, and ensuring access to clean water and other resources necessary for healthy living.

Related terms

過密人口 (かみつじんこう): This term describes overpopulation in a specific area, where the number of people exceeds the capacity of resources available.

人口動態 (じんこうどうたい): This term refers to population dynamics, including birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns that affect population changes over time.

出生率 (しゅっしょうりつ): This is the birth rate within a population, expressed as the number of live births per 1,000 people in a given year.