Question

From the given data compare and analyse the Population Density and Fertility Rate of China and Pakistan, with valid reasons: Demographic Indicators, 2017-18 

Hint:

Countries with larger land areas often exhibit lower population densities, while higher fertility rates can indicate less access to family planning or different social norms.

Answer 1

- Population Density:
- China, despite having a larger population (1.393 billion), has a significantly lower population density of 148 per square kilometer compared to Pakistan’s 275 per square kilometer. This can be attributed to China’s vast land area and relatively lower population concentration in certain regions.
- Pakistan, on the other hand, has a higher population density, indicating a more concentrated population within its smaller geographic area. 
- Fertility Rate:
- The fertility rate in Pakistan stands at 3.6, which is more than double China’s rate of 1.7. This can be attributed to China’s long-standing one-child policy (which has been relaxed in recent years), leading to a significant decline in its fertility rate.
- Pakistan’s higher fertility rate reflects the relatively higher birth rate, which can be linked to factors like cultural norms, lower access to family planning, and socio-economic conditions. 
Conclusion: China has a lower population density and fertility rate compared to Pakistan, owing to its larger landmass, policy interventions like the one-child policy, and different socio-economic conditions.