Africa Is A Young Continent In Term Of Age Distribution How Might This Factor Affect The

What are contributing factors which affect population size?

Causes of Population ExplosionLow death rateThe phenomenal fall in the death rate in the recent years is an important factor that has contributed to the rapid increase in population. Due to advancement in medical science, dreadful and chronic diseases are no longer dreaded. Better facilities for sanitation and cleanliness, has reduced infant mortality rate.High Birth RateHigh Birth rate is a major cause responsible for the rapid growth of population.The birth rate has not come down considerably in spite of the increase in the widespread propaganda of family planning, and other such campaigns.Early MarriageThe practice of early marriage is another important reason for the rapid increase in population in India.This results in a longer span for reproductive activity and the increase in the number of children.PovertyPoverty is another cause which contributes to the increase in population. Children are source for income of the family.Every additional child will become an earning member and thus supplement the family income.Standard of livingPeople whose standard of living is low tend to have more children because an additional child is considered as an asset rather than a liability. Since a majority of the population is uneducated, they are unable to understand the need for family planning. They are unaware that a smaller size of family will help them enjoy a better standard of living.Illiteracydue to the prevalence of higher rate of illiteracy, there is widespread ignorance in the form of social customs and beliefs like early marriage and preference for a male child. As a result, there is high rate of population growth in the country.