Which term describes a country with a large percentage of its people younger than age 15?
a. Migration
b. Urbanization
c. Demographic stability
d. Infant mortality rates
e. Demographic momentum
e. Demographic momentum
The correct answer is e. Demographic momentum. Demographic momentum refers to the tendency of a population to continue growing for a period of time even after fertility rates have declined, due to the large number of individuals in the younger age groups who will eventually reach reproductive age. Countries with a large percentage of people younger than age 15 are likely to have high demographic momentum.
The term that describes a country with a large percentage of its people younger than age 15 is "e. Demographic momentum."
To arrive at this answer, let's understand the other options first and then discuss why demographic momentum is the correct term:
a. Migration: Migration refers to the movement of individuals or populations from one place to another, usually with the intention of settling permanently in the new location. While migration can impact the age distribution within a country, it does not specifically address countries with a large percentage of people younger than age 15.
b. Urbanization: Urbanization is the process by which an increasing proportion of the population in a country or region moves from rural areas to urban areas, resulting in the growth of cities and towns. Although urbanization can influence the age distribution, it does not directly describe a country with a large percentage of young population.
c. Demographic stability: Demographic stability typically refers to a situation where the population of a country remains relatively constant over time, with birth rates and death rates balancing each other out. It does not specifically address the proportion of young people in the population.
d. Infant mortality rates: Infant mortality rates refer to the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births in a given year. While high infant mortality rates may indicate inadequate healthcare or other social factors, it does not directly describe a country with a large percentage of young people.
Now let's discuss why the correct term is:
e. Demographic momentum: Demographic momentum refers to the tendency of a population to continue growing, even when fertility rates decline, due to a large cohort of young people who will reach reproductive age in the future. In countries with a high percentage of people younger than age 15, there is a significant base population that will eventually contribute to population growth even if fertility rates decline. This term accurately describes the situation of a country with a large proportion of young people.
Therefore, the correct term that describes a country with a large percentage of its people younger than age 15 is "e. Demographic momentum."