19a.Comparing+Populations

=Comparing Two Populations: Niger and Norway=

By now you probably realize that populations can grow at an amazing pace. Their rapid growth can often have disastrous effects on a nation's economic development. One key predictor of economic development is just how fast a nation can move from Stage 1 to Stage 4 of the demographic transition model. The more time a nation spends in Stage 2, for example, the greater the challenges will be in attempting to develop their economy because the services required for the rapidly growing population will rapidly deplete the economic resources of that nation. See below

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Below is a comparison of Norway and Niger using [|Gapminder] software to demonstrate a visual representation of how growth can be different between two nations. This allows us to witness the differences between two or more nation's development economically and socially, as in, say, the cases of Niger and Norway.

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 * What stops population growth?**

Comparing Population Data __Assessment Task__ With reference to data compare and explain three different population characteristics for Norway and Niger. Your assessment will include two elements. Hand drawn, or computer generated visualizations for three different population characteristics that compare Norway and Niger. An essay of 750 words comparing and explaining the differences between the population characteristics for each country. You have three sources of information. Two country profiles produced by the [|CIA World Factbook], a British newspaper, //The Guardian//: [|Norway] | [|Niger]. A data set for both Niger and Norway from the [|UN PopulationDivision.] You need to produce three visualizations/graphs before you start your essay. Each graph needs to focus upon one variable - such as Crude Death Rate. The variable will be on the vertical axis and time will be along the horizontal axis. You will plot the data for both Norway and Niger upon the same set of axis. __Task Breakdown__ 1. Read the country profiles for Niger and Norway. 2. Consider the different data variables - choose three different variables that you want to use to compare Norway and Niger. 3. Carefully plot your three graphs. They need to be neat and clearly presented. Each graph should be on one side of a piece of graph paper. (See [|Printable Paper]) 4. Make notes that describe and compare the graphs and the similarities and differences between the data trends for Norway and Niger. 5. Make notes that explain the similarities and differences between the data trends for Norway and Niger. 6. Write your essay that does the following: 'With reference to data compare and explain three different population characteristics for Norway and Niger'. Suggested word count: 750 words. __World Geography Aims and Objectives for this Population Assignment:__ • Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge of different population characteristics (such as birth rate, death rate, natural increase and life expectancy) and the factors that influence them (such as level of development, education). • Skills: Present population characteristics using hand drawn or computer generated graphs/visualizations to analysis changes over time. • Skill: the assessment command words of ‘describe and explain’ Grade will be based on:
 * Assignment**
 * Effectiveness of graphs in conveying important information. (Neatness will be consider part of this). x/10
 * Writing of essay. x/20
 * This must be typed or hand written. Hard copies of all elements of the assignment are to be attached with a title page.
 * Double space your essay.
 * Entire assignment is worth 30 marks as a Test and Assignment grade.
 * Due: TBA.