Term 1 Assignment

1a) China

1b)

1c) China's population at the end of 1993 was 1.185 billion; this population was already putting pressure on natural resources and hampering economic growth. The average annual increase in population between 1970 and 1990 was 14 million. Current population dynamics were described as one of "large size, unreasonable structure, and imbalanced regional distribution. China's population in 1990 almost equaled the total population in all developing countries.The sex ratio favored males and was high among age groups under the age of 20 years. The elderly population aged over 60 years increased to 9% in 1990 and might reach 19% in 2025. The 0-14 age group was expected to decline to 27% of total population in the year 2000. Distribution was uneven with about 94% living east of Hu's Line on 45% of land mass; population density varied from 1.8 in Tibet to 2118 in Shanghai and the average was 118 persons per sq. km. Fertility ranged from 1.2 in Beijing to 4.3 in Tibet.
1d)

1e)The current problems in China were identified as the continuing increase of total population, the change in age structure which would result in a decline by 2025 in dependents aged under 14 years and increased aging, the rising sex ratio at birth which was 113.8 in 1989, and a relatively low educational level (180 million illiterates in 1990, of whom 46.5% were aged 15-39 years). The family planning program should control population growth, create an optimum population structure for filling labor force needs, and balance development and population, the environment, and the economy.

Term 1 Assignment

1a. Singapore.

1b.

1c. Singapore has a population size of 4,553,009 people (as of 9th October 2010). According to a census in 2005, it is the third most densely populated independent country in the world. Singapore's resident total fertility rate reached a level of 1.1 in 2010, which is one of the lowest in the world. Singapore is a multi-racial country, and the ethnic groups consist of 74.2% of Chinese, 13.4% of Malays, 9.2% of Indians and 3.2% of Others (such as European..)(statistics taken in 2009). Singapore's birth rate is 9.34 births per 1000 population and the death rate is 4.28 deaths per 1000 population (statistics taken in of 2006). The estimated sex ratio is at birth - 1.08, under 15 years - 1.07, 15-64 years - 0.95, 65 years and over - 0.80 and the total population - 0.96. The infant mortality rate is 2.29 deaths per 1000 live births( estimated 222). The population density (per square km) (for the year 2009) is 710.3. The annual growth for the year 2010 is 1.8.

1d.

1e. Having an aging population. Singapore's birth rates are extremely low, at a level of 1.1. Due to the rise of living costs, many couples have shied away from having children. At this rate, Singapore will see the rise in taxes and a heavier burden falling onto the working population. The government is doing as much as they can to persuade Singaporeans to have children by giving incentives known as "Baby Bonus" for couples, a scheme introduced in 2001. A cash gift of $4000 for the 1st and 2nd child each and a $6000 cash gift for the 3rd and 4th child will be given.

~Kimberley Lim~