Activity 3.1 – Human Population

 Australia – More Developed Country 

Life in Australia is quite comfortable, reflecting a high level of development, with many resources available to people every day. The birth rate is relatively low, at about 11 per 1,000 people, while the death rate is 7 per 1,000 (PRB, 2024). This results in a slow population growth rate of only 0.4% per year. People live long lives, with men reaching an average of 81 years and women 85 years. Families are small, with women having approximately 1.7 children on average. Additionally, the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is US$66,260, showing strong economic stability and access to resources (PRB, 2024). Compared to global averages, Australia has fewer births and higher income, which is typical of more developed countries (Freedman, 2018). You can really see how life, healthcare, and opportunities are very different compared to less developed countries. 

Niger – Least Developed Country 

Life in Niger is much harder, with families relying on limited resources to get by. The birth rate is high, at 42 per 1,000, while the death rate is 9 per 1,000 (PRB, 2024). This leads to a population growth rate of 2.1% per year, significantly faster than in Australia. Life expectancy is lower, with men averaging 60 years and women 62 years. Families are much larger, with women having about 6.9 children on average. The GNI per capita is only US$1,750, reflecting limited resources and economic challenges (PRB, 2024). Compared to world averages, Niger experiences higher birth rates and lower income, a pattern typical of least developed countries (Freedman, 2018). 

Comparison and Reflection 

Looking at Australia and Niger, it’s obvious how a country’s level of development affects the daily lives of its people. In Australia, citizens enjoy long life expectancy, smaller families, and stronger economic stability, whereas in Niger, families are larger, people live shorter lives, and resources are scarce. The differences in fertility rate, life expectancy, and GNI demonstrate how development influences population growth and overall living conditions. Compared to global averages, Australia stands above, while Niger is below. These differences show major environmental and social challenges, like healthcare access, managing resources, and keeping things sustainable (Freedman, 2018). 

Key Vocabulary Used: birth rate, death rate, population growth rate, fertility rate, life expectancy, Gross National Income (GNI), more developed countries, least developed countries, environmental challenges 

References 

Freedman, B. (2018). Environmental science: A Canadian perspective. Halifax, Canada: Dalhousie University Libraries. 

Population Reference Bureau. (2024). 2024 world population data sheet. https://2024-wpds.prb.org/data-sheet-download/ . https://2024-wpds.prb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-World-Population-Data-Sheet-Booklet-1.pdf 

I used Grammarly AI to help me complete the assignment for my spelling, punctuation and grammar. 

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