conclusion for essay of population

Population Growth and Economic Development: Policy Questions (1986)

Chapter: conclusion.

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Conclusion We have examined a diverse set of mechanisms through which population growth affects economic development. This chapter opens with a review and synthesis of our conclusions on the expected effects of a decline in the population grown rate that works through these mechanisms. It then proceeds to a discussion of how environmental and institutional contexts mediate the actions of these mechanisms a major theme of this report. The final section discusses policy implications. EFFECTS OF SLOWER POPULATION GROWTH ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Following the framework set up in the Introduction, we consider how conditions are likely to differ if a country, through a government program, were to achieve and maintain lower fertilibr than it would otherwise have experienced (with constant mortality). As noted above, such a decline would produce at every subsequent point slower population growth, smaller population size, lower population density, and an older age structure. Working through these direct demographic effects, a reduced level of fertility is also likely to produce several other changes. Slower Population Growth and Exhaustible Resources Globally slower population growth may delay the time at which a particular stage of depletion of an exhaustible resource is reached. This effect does not necessarily increase the number of people who will have access to 85

86 POPUW7ON GROWTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT that resource; rather, it moves the consumption stream further from the present. But it is important to recognize that no single exhaustible resource is essential or irreplaceable; it is valued for its economic contribution, not for its own sake. As easily accessible reserves of natural resources are exhausted, the real cost of extraction, and hence the resource pace, rises. This price rise should stimulate the search for alternative materials. Historically, these adaptive strategies have been extremely successful. To the extent that slower population growth results in a slower rate of resource depletion, these adaptive strategies will also occur more slowly. Hence, it seems unlikely that slower population growth will allow a larger number of people, over future generations, to enjoy a given standard of living thanks to lower natural resource prices. Slower Population Growth and Renewable Resources Slower population growth, in some cases nationally and in others globally, is likely to lead to a reduced rate of degradation of renewable common- property resources such as air, water, and species of plants and animals. If significant amounts of land and forest resources are held in common in a country, they will also tend to be degraded less rapidly. These effects are likely to be more evident in the short run-in say, a decade or two. In the long run, population growth itself might create greater incentives to develop the social and political institutions necessary for conservation. Such incentives are irrelevant, of course, if the resource has become depleted beyond the point of restoration. Moreover, changes are costly and the need to bear such costs is itself a consequence of population growth. Slower Population Growth, Health, and Education Lower fertility is likely to raise average per child levels of household expenditure on health and education and thereby improve levels of child health and education. By themselves, such changes should result in a more productive labor force. Superimposed on these within-family effects is the possibility that lower fertility will alter the distribution of children among families by income class. If fertility declines are largest among high- income families, average levels of schooling and health among children could actually decrease despite an absolute improvement in measures of well-being among poor families. But if family planning programs result in larger fertilibr reductions among poorer families, the within-family gains will be accentuated at the societal level. Slower population growth is likely to raise public expenditures on schooling per school-aged child. Evidence from the educational literature suggests that

CONCLUSION 87 such a result may lead to some improvement in educational quality as measured, for example, by test scores. We do not find convincing evidence that lower fertility will result in faster growth in enrollment ratios (apart from within-family effects). Slower Population Growth and Income Unless a fertility decline is concentrated among high-income families, it is likely to lead to a reduction in income disparities among social classes. This is primarily a long-term effect (although a variety of short-tenn effects are also possible) and wows primarily by raising payments to labor relative to payments to capital and raising payments to unskilled labor relative to skilled labor. We have found little evidence that the aggregate savings rate depends on growth rates or the age structure of a population. Assuming that the savings rate remains unchanged, a fertility decline will lead to an increase in the ratio of capital to labor and, along with it, labor productivity, wages, and per capita income. The increase in the capitalllabor ratio will reduce rates of ran to capital and reduce payments to owners of capital. In the short run, more land per agricultural worker is likely to raise labor productivity in agriculture. Long-term effects may differ because of changes in the organization and techniques of production that are induced by the relative change in factor availability. These effects may reduce the short- term gains of slower growth. Slower Population Growth and Cities Win slower population growth, cities grow more slowly, both in the short and long run. Natural increase (~e excess of birds over deaths) accounts for about 60 percent of city growth today in developing countnes, and it is reasonable to expect that a decline in fertilizer levels will entail a decline in rates of natural increase in cities. Such changes reduce the demand for urban infras~uctural investments while eventually reducing the revenue base that supports such investments. The evidence on Chewer reduced national fertility levels reduce the rate of rural-url~an migration, and hence reduce He rate of grown of He proportion of He population that is urban, is unclear. A reduced rate of urban labor force grown in developing countries (most of which is a product of natural increase among the urban population) is not likely to be systematically accompanied by corresponding reductions in joblessness. However, it may increase He proportion of He urban labor force working in high-wage jobs in the modern sector of the economy and reduce He proportion working in the low-wage, infonnal sector.

88 POP CLARION GROWN AND ECONOMIC DEVEL()PMENT ENVIRONMENTAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXTS It is clear that the economic advantages of fertility reduction will vary from place to place. Environmental and climatic conditions clearly shape the local impact of population growth. In countries such as Bangladesh, where ratios of agricultural labor to arable land are already very high, there is a presumptive case that labor productivity in agriculture will decline more rapidly with added labor than if ratios were low. Nonagricultural production possibilities, and the opportunities for trade, also affect the importance of these natural features. Important as these natural features may be in conditioning the economic response to population growth, Hey appear to be far less important than conditions created by people. Many of the initial effects of population growth are negative, but they can be ameliorated or even reversed in the long run if institutional adjustment mechanisms are in place. Among the most important of such mechanisms are property rights in land and properly functioning markets for labor, capital, and goods. Such markets permit the initial effects of population growth to be registered in the fonn of price changes, which can trigger a variety of adjustments, including the introduction of other factors of production that have become more valuable as a result of the increase in population; a search for substitutes for increasingly scarce factors of production; intensified research to find production processes better suited to the new conditions; reallocation of resources toward sectors (e.g., food production) in which demand may be most responsive to population change; and so on. Of course, these adjustments may entail real costs, even when these are minimized by efficient institutions. When markets function very poorly, or do not exist, adjustments to population change are likely to be slower or to not occur at all. These are not merely theoretical notions. Some part of the current distress in Ethiopia, of the loss of 30 million lives during China's '~great leap forward" (Ashton et al., 1984), and of the problems of food production in tropical Africa during the 1970s was due to very badly functioning markets combined with rapid population grown. Even efficient markets do not guarantee desirable outcomes. The famines of 1942-1943 in Bengal and of 1973-1974 in Bangladesh seem to have been principally a result of deterioration in the income distribution-in particular, the loss of purchasing power by unskilled wage laborers-combined with speculative hoarding in food markets (See, 1981~. This kind of outcome underscores the role of the distribution of wealth and of human capital as a fundamental determinant of poverty. The potential value of government intervention for market regulation and for purposes of income distribution is widely acknowledged. Govemment policies in a variety of arenas clearly play important roles in mediating Me

CONCLUSION 89 impact of population growth. Effects of population growth on educational enrollment and quality, on rates of exploitation of common property resources, on the development of social and economic infrastructure, on urbanization, and on research activities are all heavily dependent on existing government policies and their adaptiveness to changed conditions. In short, the effects of rapid population growth are likely to be conditioned by the quality of markets, the nature of government policies, and features of the natural environment. Since the effects are so dependent on these conditions, a reliable assessment of many of the net effects of population growth can best be carried out at the national level, although some issues concerning the environment and resources can only be analyzed globally. It is of interest to briefly examine and contrast Me interplay between population grown and institutions in two important areas, China and tropical Africa. China, with its extremely low arable landlpopulation ratio, is often seen as greatly in need of population control policies in order to boost per capita agricultural income; this view is reflected in the government's severe disincentives for large families. Although it is possible Mat the resultant decline in the population growth rate has somewhat increased per capita agricultural income, these gains are probably small compared with those from agricultural reforms instituted in 1979. Over the period 1979-1984, the real per capita income of Me rural population increased 15 percent annually, and total agricultural output increased 51 percent (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1985; Li, 1985~. In contrast, tropical Africa has a comparatively high land/population ratio, but appears to be particularly vulnerable to problems induced by population grown. Political independence and He forces of modernization came to tropical Africa later than to other areas. Although some countries in other regions also share these traits, markets are generally least well developed in tropical Africa, political factionalism is greatest, and human resource potential is least developed. In parts of Africa, sparseness of population itself may be responsible for some of these difficulties, but this explanation is implausible for such countries as Ethiopia or Kenya Obviously, slowing population growth is not a substitute for solving other problems, but it can reduce some of the more extreme manifestations of these problems while they are being solved. SUMMARY Population growth can, and often does, trigger market reactions. Many of these reactions move a country in a '`modem" direction, that is, toward better~efined properq rights, larger integrated marked, more agocultum1 research, and so on. However, He market-induced adjustments to higher

go POP ULA77ON GROWTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT growth do not appear to be large enough to offset the negative effects on per capita income of higher ratios of labor to other factors of production. Nor is population growth necessary to achieve these forms of modernization: the fact that rates of return to agricultural research are already extremely high-in bow developing and developed countnes-implies Mat Here is little need for additional stimulus from population growth; the evolution of property rights is stimulated by many factors~population grown being only one among Rem (Binswanger and Pingali, 1984~; and the scope of many markets can be enlarged by removing made barriers. That these over devices exist does not imply a minimal role for population grown, but it does caution against advocacy of growth as the only way to achieve them. On balance, we reach the qualitative conclusion Cat slower population growth would be beneficial to economic development for most developing counties. A rigorous quantitative assessment of these benefits is difficult and context dependent. Since we have stressed the role of slower population growth in raising per capita human and physical capital, it is instructive to use as a benchmark the effects of changes in the ratio of physical capital per person. A simple mode} suggests that the effect is comparatively modest. Using a typical labor coefficient of 0.5 in estimated production functions, a 1 percent reduction in the me of labor force growth would boost the grown of per capita income by 0.5 percent per year. ~us, after 30 years, a 1 percent reduction in the annual rate of population grown (produced, say, by a decline in Be crude bird rate from 37 to 27 per 1,0003 will have raised production and income per capita to a level 16 percent above what it would otherwise have been. This would be a substantial gain, but by no means enough to vault a typical developing country into Be ranks of the developed. This simple calculation, however, does not fully reflect the complexity of Be linkages between population growth and economic development. For instance, the production function would be expected to change in ways that reduce the advantages of slower population grown. We have reviewed considerable evidence, particularly in the agricultural sector, of how technology adapts to changes in factor proportions. In most places it is reasonable to expect slower growth in the labor force to reduce the intensity of adaptive response in the form of land improvement, instigation, and agricultural research. On the other hand, the calculation does not reflect increases in production due to the healthier and better educated work force Mat would result from lower fertility. Much more sophisticated models of production and fertility have been constructed with a variety of assumptions about the nature and intensity of relationships between economic and demograph* variables (see Ahlburg, 1985, for a thorough review). None of these models embodies the more

CONCLUSION 91 recent evidence on the nature and magnitude of effects that is included here, and we are not in a position to endorse any of the models. Careful scientific research is needed both to beuer quantify and to further elucidate most of the relationships discussed in this book. Research is especially needed on urbanization and the consequences of urban growth; savings and the formation of physical capital; the effect of population grown on health, education, and the development of human capital; and the nature and extent of extemalities of childbearing. Such research would be appropriately supported by mission-oriented development organizations as well as by basic research agencies. Whether the economic problems posed by population grown are large or small, and whether they are best approached by slowing the population grown rate, depends ultimately on the costs of alternative policy responses. We now turn to outline those responses. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: THE ROLE OF FAMILY PLANNING We have stressed that population growth can exacerbate the ill effects of a variety of inefficient policies, such as urban bias in the provision of infrastructure, direct and indirect food subsidies Hat distort agricultural markets, credit market distortions, and inadequate management of common property. A fundamental solution to these problems lies in better policies outside the population arena. However, some policies may be extremely resistant to correction, even over the medium to long term. Moreover, we have found some beneficial effects of slower population grown even in the presence of well-functioning markets and other institutions. Thus, there appears to be a legitimate role for population policy, providing its benefits exceed its costs. Although educational and health policies may have indirect effects on fertility, family planning programs have been the most conventional and direct instrument of government population policy. By family planning programs, we mean He provision of contraceptive services, together with information about contraception and child spacing. The total amount spent on family planning programs in 1982 was less than $2 billion, of which international assistance represents about $330 million (World Bank, 1984:148~. By companson, total official development assistance by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries was about $27.5 billion in 1983 Should Bank, 1984:252~. In most developing countries, family planning program expenditures represent less than 1 percent of the government budget. Government support for family planning programs can have an economic and social rationale quite apart from He effect of programs on rates of population growth. ~ many societies, individual control of reproduction

92 POPUlA77ON GROWIW AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT is considered a basic human right, similar in nature to good health or literacy. Lack of information about reproduction services and other services may constrain parents from achieving the* desired number and spacing of children. In such a situation, the supply of information and services will increase family welfare. Govemments can often supply information and services about reproduction more efficiently and cheaply than Me private sector, in part because large and risky investments are required and because some of Me benefits to consumers cannot be captured by the suppliers. In particular, valuable information can flow from person to person without any financial reward to the initial supplier: information about the consequences of childbearing is one example; the rhythm method is another. In this case, the private sector will underinvest in the provision of such services. The rationale for government support for family planning programs is similar to that for support of a variety of public health programs, as well as for agricultural research and extension services. F~ermore, when health services are provided by government, an additional rationale for government family planning programs is that the services can be efficiently supplied by existing health pet sonnet (World Bank, 1984~. Finally, family planning programs are likely to be of more value to lower income groups than to higher income groups, who may have beKer access to private services, so government support for these programs can help to advance equity goals If people use the services and information supplied by government family planning programs and if fertility falls as a result, an obvious case can be made that the program has increased the private welfare of users by reducing the cost of fertility control and by reducing the gap between desired and achieved fertility. This gain in private well-being is added to whatever other gains accrue on the national agenda from fertility reduction. The large fertility declines that occ~d in such countries as Mexico, Indonesia, and Thailand during the 1970s~eclines that were associated over time with intensified national family planning programs-suggest that private welfare gains from such programs are large. The large amount of unwanted childbearing in developing countries Mat was revealed by the World Fertility Survey (Boulder, 1985) suggests that such programs have considerable remaining potential to increase private welfare and reduce population growth rates. When national economic and social goals can be furthered by a reduction in fertilibr, the fact that family planning programs can achieve such reductions while increasing the well-being of users of these services accounts for milch of their Inactiveness as a policy instrument for governments in developing countries. A similar att~veness applies to removal of legal prohibitions against access to means of ferdlity control, prohibitions that pose serious obstacles to couples, reproductive behavior in many counties (Berelson and Lieberson, l979~. In sum, there is little debate about the desirability of

CONCLUSION 93 programs Hat allow couples access to easy, affordable, and effective means of family planning, even among Hose who see population growth as a neuter or even a positive influence on development (Wattenberg and Zinsmeister, 1985). When a couple's childbearing decision imposes external costs on other families-in overexploitation of common resources, congestion of public services, or contribution to a socially undesirable distribution of income- a case may be made for policies that go "beyond family planning." Such policies include persuasive campaigns to change family size norms and combinations of incentives and taxes related to family size. It is more difficult to make the case for He imposition of drastic financial or legal restrictions on childbearing. As noted above, such restrictions are likely to entail large welfare losses at the individual level; these losses would be hard to assess quantitatively, as are the possible social benefits of such restrictions. Because economic development is a multifaceted process, no single policy or single-sector strategy can be successful by itself. Thus, family planning programs by themselves cannot make a poor county rich or even move it many notches higher on the scale of development. However, family planning programs that enable couples to have the number of children they desire increase the private welfare of the people who use Heir services while reducing He burden on society of whatever economic externalities exist. And family planning programs are likely to increase He well-being of the users' children and to extend rawer Han to restrict personal choices. Thus, family planning programs can play a role in improving the lives of people in developing counties.

This book addresses nine relevant questions: Will population growth reduce the growth rate of per capita income because it reduces the per capita availability of exhaustible resources? How about for renewable resources? Will population growth aggravate degradation of the natural environment? Does more rapid growth reduce worker output and consumption? Do rapid growth and greater density lead to productivity gains through scale economies and thereby raise per capita income? Will rapid population growth reduce per capita levels of education and health? Will it increase inequality of income distribution? Is it an important source of labor problems and city population absorption? And, finally, do the economic effects of population growth justify government programs to reduce fertility that go beyond the provision of family planning services?

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Essay on Population | Population Essay for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay on Population: Population is the most prominent problem of this century. The population of any country or region is the total number of people living in that country or region. The question of the population persists in almost all the nations of the world. The most populated countries as of now are China, India, and the USA. The problem of population irrespective of any country arises because of resources. In most states, due to scarcity of resources, individuals face a lot of difficulties. There have been various population control measures implemented by countries at different times.

Population control methods that have been devised and implemented included educating people on population and effective ways of birth control. Here we have added two essays on the topic which are for the benefit of students in case of their exams.  Population growth has become a pressing issue in the world, as well as our country today.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Population for Students and Kids in English

Here we have written one long Essay on Population of 500 words, one short essay on Population of 100-150 words, and ten important lines covering the whole topic of Essay on Population. Long essay on population is best suited for people in classes 7, 8,9,10 for their exams and assignments. Short essay on population is best suited for students studying in classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, for their examinations and assignments.

Long Essay on Population 500 Words in English

The population is an important issue these days. This is because almost all countries face problems related to the population. Such problems include difficulty in implementing decisions, providing social security to everyone, and ensuring employment. These are only a handful of topics. The most crucial aspect of the population is population pressure. Population pressure is the pressure exerted by the population in a country. This means that the economy and society have to bear the burden of the population.

An increase in population makes it difficult for a state to provide everyone with the bare minimum necessities. The problem of population pressure is, however, different in countries across the world. In the wealthy countries of the world, population pressure is manageable because of the wealth that it has. In developing nations, a significant increase in the population over time makes it difficult for the country to establish itself. This is because the majority of the increased population consists of people who are poor and have no education or social security. To take care of their interests, the country fails to grow individually.

The population of the country influenced by two factors-migration and education. As far as migration is concerned, people often migrate from one country to another for various reasons. Students often migrate to other countries for education. Young people often migrate to advanced countries through their work.  Such individuals usually tend to settle down in such countries for the rest of their lives. Their main reason for settling is social security and income opportunities. There are also other facilities which people of first world countries get by their economy.

The migrated population often does not wish to leave such facilities.  This leads to population pressure. In countries like India, the population increases every year due to the lack of primary education. The idea of nuclear families has not yet reached most of the people living in villages. In little places, people are not aware of the problems of having excess kids. Such people, however, have their logic behind their exercise. Due to abject poverty, they often think that having many kids would solve their economic problems. This thought on their part stems from the fact that their children would grow up and feed them for the rest of their lives. But often they fail to recognize that this leads to a burden on the whole of the country. Often developing nations undertake programs for educating the masses about the problems of overpopulation and its consequences.

Short Essay on Population 150 Words in English

The population is the total number of people living in a country. India has the second-highest population across the entire world. The population is often a problem for both developing and developed nations. This is because of its increase over the years. Apart from a few nations, the people of almost all countries go on increasing every year. This causes an enormous population pressure on their society and economy. Poverty and the subsequent lack of education among the masses are often a reason for the increase in population. Another reason for the rise in population is the migration of people from different countries due to employment opportunities, education, and marriage. The population can be controlled in various ways. This includes sterilization, awareness campaigns, and birth control measures.

10 Lines on Population Essay 150 Words in English

• Population is the number of people living in a country.
• India and China have the second-highest and highest population, respectively.
• The population is an essential issue in policymaking.
• The large population makes it difficult to implement policies.
• Population pressure is a problem for most countries.
• Population pressure exerts a burden on the economy.
• Lack of education and poverty is the reason for an increase in population.
• Population of a country also increases due to migration.
• The population can be controlled through various programs.
• Awareness campaigns and birth control measures are an effective way to control the population.

FAQ’s on Essay on Population

Question 1. What are the effects of population pressure?

Answer: Population pressure creates a burden on the economy and society, thereby decreasing the availability of resources in a country.

Question 2. What are the varying reasons for migration in a developed country?

Answer: Migration to a developed country happens mainly because of better opportunities in terms of income, employment education, although the situation is changing these days.

Question 3. What are the ways of controlling the population of a country?

Answer: Population can be controlled by population control programs that include birth control programs and effective means of awareness among the masses.

Question 4. What are birth control measures adopted by developing countries?

Answer: The birth control measure that is adopted by various countries includes medical procedures and sterilization campaigns.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Anthropology — Population Growth

Essays on Population Growth

Choosing a population growth essay topic.

Population growth is a crucial topic that affects every aspect of our lives, from the environment to the economy. As a student, it's essential to choose a compelling and relevant topic for your essay. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the topic, provide advice on choosing a topic, and offer a detailed list of recommended essay topics.

The Importance of Population Growth

Understanding the dynamics of population growth is essential for addressing various global challenges, such as food security, healthcare, urbanization, and climate change. By studying population growth, students can gain insights into the causes and consequences of demographic changes, as well as the policies and strategies needed to manage and mitigate its impact.

Choosing a Topic

When selecting a population growth essay topic, it's crucial to consider your interests, the relevance of the topic, and its potential for research and analysis. You may want to focus on a specific aspect of population growth, such as its impact on the environment, public health, or social inequality. Additionally, consider the availability of data and resources for your chosen topic, as well as its potential for generating new insights and perspectives.

Recommended Essay Topics

Environmental impact.

• The relationship between population growth and environmental degradation
• The impact of overpopulation on natural resources
• Strategies for sustainable population growth and environmental conservation

Public Health

• The effects of population growth on healthcare systems
• Challenges and opportunities for addressing global health disparities
• The role of family planning in managing population growth and public health

Economic Development

• The relationship between population growth and economic development
• The impact of population aging on labor markets and productivity
• Strategies for promoting sustainable economic growth in the context of population growth

Social Inequality

• The intersection of population growth, migration, and social inequality
• The impact of population growth on urbanization and social infrastructure
• Challenges and opportunities for addressing demographic disparities in access to education and employment

Policies and Interventions

• Evaluating the effectiveness of population policies and interventions
• The ethical and social implications of population control measures
• The role of technology and innovation in addressing population growth challenges

By choosing a topic from the above list, you can delve into the complexities of population growth and gain a deeper understanding of its impact on the world around us. Whether you are interested in environmental sustainability, public health, economic development, social inequality, or policy analysis, there are numerous opportunities for exploration and research in the field of population growth.

As you embark on your essay writing journey, remember to approach your chosen topic with curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to contributing to the discourse on population growth. With thoughtful consideration and thorough research, you can create an engaging and informative essay that sheds light on the complexities and challenges of population growth in the 21st century.

Overpopulation, Its Causes and Effects

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Overview of The Issue of World Population Growth

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The Impact of Population Growth on The Environment

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Overpopulation: Clear Understanding of The Problem and Human Solutions

The problem of overpopulation: solutions, effects of human population: from population to overpopulation, fossil fuels and their influence on the environment, how the population of the world grows, millennials and the problem of overpopulation in india, metro denver economic review, positive and negative impacts of the modern revolution, overpopulation in africa: the importance of education and economics, global issue of overpopulation: solutions of one-child policy, the causes, effects, and consequences of overpopulation, china population pyramid: case study, human population growth: historical influences and expansion, population growth and greenhouse gas emissions, achieving sustainable development with growing populations, relevant topics.

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Population Growth Essay Writing Guide

Academic writing

Essay paper writing

Working on a population essay or research paper? We understand the struggle. Therefore, we have prepared the list of the greatest topics for you to choose from as well as useful tips that will help you submit an impeccable work.

Population essay topics

• Essay on the principle of population
• Essay on population definition
• Population genetics essay
• 21 st century global population essay
• Population development essay
• Essay on the history of population growth
• Essay on population crisis
• Agricultural revolution and population growth essay
• Short essay on world population becoming smarter
• Aging population opinion essay
• Essay on population explosion
• Essay about population problem in Asia
• Relationship between national wealth and population health essay
• Population and environment essay
• Essay on increasing population
• Cause and effect essay on population growth: What is the reason of current overpopulation issue?
• Importance of population education essay
• Effective means of population control essay
• Population control argumentative essay
• Can we solve overpopulation problems essay
• Effect of population on environment essay
• How to control population essay

Tips for writing an essay on population

• Make an outline. Once you do your research, create a well-detailed plan where you include all the essential points and ideas for each paragraph of your paper. You can use the example from the section below and build on it with the information you have found.  
• Research carefully. Try using Google Scholar to search for articles and books on the topic if you have hard times determining which sources are credible.  
• Don’t fake your references or just copy information. Nowadays, there are various tools for checking works for plagiarism. Therefore, do not put your academic reputation at risk – use real sources and your own words when describing what the author was writing about.
• Mind your language. Of course, an essay is not a scientific article for a reputable journal, but you still need to be very careful with the word choice. Contractions or slang would not be appropriate here.
• Provide specific examples and numbers where applicable. For instance, essay writing on population explosion would require you to indicate where, when, and how many people were born in certain time periods and why it happened.
• Proofread your writing. This will help you to avoid submitting a work full of mistakes, which will inevitably lower your mark.

Essay outline

• Introduction.

Start with a hook phrase, which can be a question, a quote, or just an interesting fact. After that, write a few sentences explaining why your topic is important and necessary to research. The main point of an essay on population should be clearly stated in the last sentence of the paper – a thesis statement. Give a brief overview of the points you are going to discuss but do not go into the details – you will be able to do it in the body of the work.

Depending on the word limit set for the assignment, the body of your paper might be divided into a few sections with distinct headings. Each section or paragraph should start with the introduction of the idea you are going to discuss. Next, you will have to provide some factual information to support it, and explain your own opinion if applicable. In the end, it would be necessary to sum up what you have discussed and transition into the next paragraph.

• Population essay conclusion.

In the final paragraph, restate the thesis and the main ideas that were reviewed in the body of the paper. You cannot introduce any new facts in the conclusion – only synthesize what has already been discussed. Finish your essay by proving that you have accomplished the purpose of writing the paper or leave the reader with some idea to think about further.

Population research paper topics

• Research paper about homelessness population
• Aging population research paper
• Religion and overpopulation
• Human population growth research paper
• Birth control and women’s human rights
• The impact of overpopulation on the wildlife
• India population crisis
• The impact of overpopulation on the environment
• Bangladesh population crisis
• Population, migration, and urbanization
• Global warming and overpopulation: Where is the link?
• The issue of food and water shortage
• Statistics of population changes research paper
• The effects of population growth on the economy

Writing a research paper

• Choose a narrow topic. It is rather hard to write a research paper about population in general, as the topic is really vast. Instead, you may concentrate on some population issues, trends, or other more specific topics, which can be studied thoroughly.
• Be careful with citations. In your research paper, you will need to include and cite a lot of information. Learn how to do it according to the style you stick to and cite all factual data taken from other sources.
• Check a few good population research paper examples. If it is hard for you to visualize how your research paper should look like, find a few sample works. Pay attention to how the text is outlined, what information is cited, how transitions are used, and how the info is presented in general. Try to find research paper examples about population control, overpopulation crisis, shortage of resources, and other related topics to understand what points might work for your own paper.
• Develop a strong thesis statement. It should be short, to-the-point, and consistent. You have to summarize your main claim in one or two sentences in such a way that it will be clear and interesting for your audience.
• Avoid filler phrases. “In conclusion,” “needless to say,” and all the other parenthetic words do not bring any value to your writing. Instead, try to come up with meaningful transitions to move from one paragraph to another one smoothly.

Research paper outline

• Introduction
• Methodology
• Literature review
• Results/Findings

You may also be asked to add an abstract before the intro to give your readers a quick overview of the paper. Depending on the length of the text, it might be necessary to add a table of contents to guide your audience on where to find certain information. If there are some figures that you wanted to include in the paper but they take too much space, you can refer to them in the text but insert them into the appendices section after the reference page.

Research questions about population

Here are some of the research paper questions about population that you may choose to answer in your paper:

• What are the major negative consequences of overpopulation?
• Why some countries are overpopulated while others are underpopulated?
• How fast is the population increasing today compared to in the past?
• What factors influence current population trends?
• What may the population trends be in 50 years?
• Are we on the verge of food and water shortage?
• Is population growth still an issue?
• How many people can Earth support?
• Why should we be concerned about current population growth rates?
• Is religion an obstacle to population stabilization?

Facts for a research paper or essay on population

• In general, more than 107 billion people were born in the history of humanity. Thus, 6.5% of all people born in the history of humankind live on Earth today.
• In 2009, for the first time in history, an urban population was equal to a rural one amounting to 3.4 billion people. It is expected that in the future, an increasing part of the world population will be represented by citizens (that is, the urban population will continue to grow faster than the world population as a whole), which is confirmed by the latest data.
• In 2010, about 60% of the world’s population lived in Asia, 15.5% - in Africa, and 10.4% - in Europe. In 2050, according to the UN forecast, more than half of the world’s population will live in Asia, 25% in Africa, 8.2% in Latin America, 7.4% in Europe, and 4.7% in North America.
• The largest state in terms of population is China. After 2025, India is likely to become a leader. Until 1991, USSR had the third-largest population. After its disintegration, the US took its place. Indonesia and Brazil occupy the fourth and fifth places. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Russia occupy the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth places, respectively.
• As the UN report indicates, by the end of this century, the world’s population will be more than two times higher in comparison with 2011 and will reach 15 billion people.
• The current population of the planet has doubled since the 1960s. This process is caused by the improvement of the quality of medical care and medical products as well as high fertility in the countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In addition, a certain role was played by the reduction of infant mortality and the increase in life expectancy on all continents of the planet.
• Some experts question the figure of 15 billion inhabitants by the year 2100 proposed by the UN. They are convinced that the population will not reach such a catastrophic scale if appropriate measures are taken.
• The author of the first essay on population was a popular economist Thomas Robert Malthus. His main work, An Essay on the Principle of Population, played a remarkable role in the development of economic science and demography.
• In the mid-60s of the 20th century, humanity first paid attention to the problem of overpopulation and the depletion of resources. The community of the world’s largest businessmen, politicians, and public figures, united by the idea of ​​ preserving the natural environment on Earth have created a so-called Club of Rome. This initiated a large-scale research to find ways to curb the crisis.

Environmental issues

While writing an essay on the ecological effects of increased population, you may describe the current state of things:

• The situation in the field of renewable resources deteriorates. Scientists warn that very soon, we will experience a water, wood, fish shortage, as well as reduced soil fertility.
• Waste products accumulate and pollute the environment.
• More investment, energy, materials, and labor costs are required to eliminate the negative consequences of using resources, e.g., for sewage treatment, irrigation control, air purification, etc.
• A significant part of the capital, raw materials, energy resources, and labor costs is spent on solving the tasks of the defense industry.
• Investments in human resources decline, and the situation with education and healthcare deteriorates.
• The balance between the use of raw materials, energy resources, and the process of environmental pollution is disturbed.

Problem of population aging

• According to the UN, during 1994-2014, the number of people over 60 years has doubled. In 2014, the number of older adults in the world exceeded the number of children under the age of five.
• Now, in 15 EU countries, above 15% of citizens are at the age of 65 years and higher. The youngest country is Ireland (11.5%), and the oldest one is Sweden (17.5%). However, during the coming decades, the gap will decrease. The elderly group will be joined by generations born during the baby boom period (1946-1964).
• Compared to Western European countries, the United States is a younger state: there are less than 13% of people over 65 years old.
• The causes of population aging are ambiguous. On the one hand, there is a decline in the birth rate, which leads to a smaller number of children and young people, and on the other hand, there is an increase in life expectancy.
• From 1960 to 1990, the number of people of age above 80 years has grown in the EU countries from 5 to 12 million people, that is, by 140%.
• Medical care for the elderly involves additional funding, expanding the network of medical, gerontological institutions, and qualitative restructuring of the health care system.
• The employment of the elderly population and provision of working places for young seniors are required. It is also important to maintain an active life position of the elderly, involve them in public life, and fight against loneliness.

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Essay on Population Control

Students are often asked to write an essay on Population Control in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Population Control

Understanding population control.

Population control refers to the measures taken by governments or other groups to manage the size of a human population. This is often done to prevent overpopulation, which can strain resources and harm the environment.

The Need for Population Control

Overpopulation can lead to scarcity of resources like food, water, and shelter. It can also increase pollution and contribute to global warming. Therefore, controlling population growth is crucial for sustainable living.

Methods of Population Control

Methods include education about family planning, providing access to contraception, and implementing policies that limit family size. These measures can help achieve a balanced population.

250 Words Essay on Population Control

Introduction.

Population control refers to the practice of intentionally managing the number of inhabitants in a region to mitigate social and environmental issues. Rapid population growth can strain resources, intensify poverty, and exacerbate environmental degradation.

The Necessity of Population Control

The world’s population stands at approximately 7.8 billion, a figure that has seen a steep rise over the last century. This population explosion places immense pressure on natural resources, leading to deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Furthermore, it exacerbates social issues such as overcrowding, unemployment, and inadequate public services. Hence, population control is crucial to ensuring sustainable development.

Population control can be achieved through various strategies. Family planning and education, particularly for women, are effective methods. They empower individuals with knowledge about reproductive health and birth control, enabling them to make informed choices. Government policies can also play a significant role, such as providing incentives for smaller families or implementing laws to limit family size.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While population control is necessary, it raises ethical questions. It’s imperative that any measures respect individual rights and freedoms. Forced sterilizations or coercive population control policies infringe upon human rights and should be avoided.

In conclusion, population control is a complex yet necessary endeavor. It requires a careful balance of education, policy implementation, and respect for individual rights. By managing population growth, we can work towards a sustainable future where resources are used efficiently, and the environment is preserved.

500 Words Essay on Population Control

Population control refers to the strategies employed by governments and organizations to manage the size of human populations. This is often necessary to prevent overpopulation, which can strain resources and lead to socio-economic problems. However, population control is a complex issue with ethical, political, and environmental implications.

Overpopulation is a significant global concern. It puts immense pressure on natural resources, exacerbating environmental degradation and climate change. With the current rate of population growth, the demand for resources like food, water, and energy is rapidly outpacing supply. This imbalance can lead to resource depletion, environmental pollution, and an increase in diseases due to overcrowding.

Population control strategies vary based on cultural, political, and economic contexts. One common method is family planning, which includes contraceptive use, sterilization, and abortion services. Governments often promote family planning through public awareness campaigns and by providing access to contraception.

Another approach is implementing policies that incentivize smaller families. These can include tax benefits, priority in public services, and educational scholarships for families with fewer children.

Challenges in Population Control

Second, there are gender issues. In some societies, women bear the brunt of population control measures, often facing coercion into sterilization or contraception use.

Third, there are socio-cultural barriers. In many cultures, large families are valued, and attempts to limit family size can be met with resistance.

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• Population Explosion Essay

Essay on Population Explosion

After the Republic of China, India is the most populous country in the world. Presently, India is the second-largest populated country in the world that occupies 2.4% of the world’s land area and represents 17.5% of the world’s population. This means that one out of six people on this planet is an Indian.

It is estimated by the United Nations that India with 1.3 billion inhabitants would surpass China’s population of 1.4 billion by 2024 to become the world’s most populous country. Population Explosion is considered as a threat and burden on the Earth.

What is Population Explosion?

Population Explosion refers to the rapid increase in the number of people in an area. It is a situation where the economy of the country cannot cope up with the rapid growth of the population. Furthermore, in simpler words, it is a situation where the economy cannot provide proper facilities to its people.

Evidently, the largest contributing countries to population explosion are the poorer nations and are termed as developing countries. In India, the state of Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state and Lakshadweep is the least populated. Hence we can say that population explosion is inversely related to the development of that area.

Population Explosion has become the mother of evils in our country because too much population is trapping people in a web of poverty and illiteracy that further escalates the problem. Any time of the day, whether it is a metro station, airport, railway platforms, road, highway bus stop, shopping mall, market, or even a social or religious gathering, there is always a swelling crowd of people in India.

Causes of Population Explosion

The major cause of this population explosion is the difference between the birth rate. The birth rate is the number of individuals born in a population in a given amount of time. The human birth rate is the number of individuals born per year per 1000 in the population. For example, if 35 births occur per year per 1000 individuals, the birth rate is 35 ) .

The death rate is the ratio between deaths and individuals in a particular population during a particular period. In simple words, the incidence of deaths in a given population during a defined time (such as one year) is expressed per 1000 individuals ).

Apart from these, some other factors are partially responsible for population explosion, such as:

A decrease in infant mortality rate (Mortality rate refers to the number of deaths of infants below the age of 6 months.), 

The increase in life expectancy (An estimate of the average number of additional years that a person of a given age can expect to live). 

Earlier the life expectancy of people was around 55-60 years. Now the average age of a person has increased to 70-75 years.) but due to better and improved medical facilities, we can now increase the life expectancy of people. 

Earlier, there was a balance between the birth and death rate due to limited medical facilities, people dying in wars, and other calamities. According to the 2011 census, the birth rate has actually come down but then the death rate has also declined due to the medical advancements. 

Illiteracy is another cause of an increase in population. Low literacy rate leads to traditional, superstitious, and ignorant people. For example, Kerala has a very high literacy rate and it constitutes only 2.76% of India’s population as compared to Uttar Pradesh having maximum illiteracy rate and forms 16.49% of the population. Educated people are well aware of birth control methods. 

Family planning, welfare programs, and policies have not fetched the desired result. The increase in population is putting tremendous pressure on the limited infrastructure and negating India’s progress.

The superstitious people mainly from rural places think that having a male child would give them prosperity and so there is a considerable pressure on the parents to produce children till a male child is born. This leads to a population explosion. 

Poverty is another main reason for this. Poor people believe that the more people in the family, the more will be the number of persons to earn bread. Hence it contributes to the increase in population. 

Continuous illegal migration of people from neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh is leading to a rise in the population density in India.

Religion sentiment is another cause of the population explosion. Some orthodox communities believe that any mandate or statutory method of prohibition is sacrilegious. It is difficult for India to exercise a check on the religious grounds for its secularism.

Impact Due to Population Explosion

The growth of the population has a major impact on the living standards of people. That is why, despite our incredible progress in the agricultural and industrial spheres, our capita income has not risen appreciably.

Hence given below are some of the major problems which are just because of the population explosion:

Natural Resources of that particular region: Natural resources are materials from the Earth used to support life and meet people’s needs. Hence if there are many people, then there is a high requirement for Natural Resources.

Unemployment: When a country becomes overpopulated, it gives rise to unemployment as fewer jobs support many people. The rise in unemployment gives rise to crime, such as theft, as people want to feed their families and provide them with basic amenities of life.

High Cost of Living: As the difference between demand and supply continues to expand due to population explosion, it raises the prices of various essential commodities, including food, shelter, and healthcare. It means that people have to pay more to survive and feed their families.

Poverty: Another major issue of population explosion is the increase in poverty as people are unemployed due to a lack of job opportunities and an abundant workforce. 

Illiteracy: Because of unemployment, they cannot provide better education to the coming generation, giving us back population explosion.

Starvation: When resources are scarce, starvation, ill health, and diseases caused by diet deficiency such as rickets become eminent.

Some Major Effects of the High Population are as Follows

The rapidly growing population in India has led to the problem of food scarcity and heavy pressure on land. Even though 60% of its population is engaged in agriculture, yet people do not get even the barely necessary amount of food. 

Generating employment opportunities for such a huge population in India is very difficult. Therefore, illiteracy is growing rapidly every year. 

Development of infrastructural facilities is not able to cope up with the pace of growing population. So facilities like transportation, communication, housing, education, and healthcare are becoming inadequate to provide provision to the people.

The increasing population leads to unequal distribution of income and inequalities among the people widened.

Unmanageable population size may lead to the failure of the government to provide the basic facilities to the people. 

Economic development is slow in a country where the population is growing at a very fast rate. This also leads to low capital formation. 

Ignorance, illiteracy, unhygienic living conditions, and lack of recreation have always been the cause of population problems in India. 

Rapid growth in population is also an indication of the wastage of natural resources.

Preventive Measures

To tackle this problem, the government needs to take corrective measures. The entire development of the country depends on how effectively the population explosion is stemmed. 

The government and various NGOs should raise awareness about family planning and welfare. Hoardings with slogans like “Hum do, humare do” and “Chota Parivar, Sukhi Parivar” should be put up in hospitals and other public places. These slogans mean that a small family is a happy family and two children for two parents. The awareness about the use of contraceptive pills and family planning methods should be generated. 

The health care centres should help the poor people with the free distribution of contraceptives and encourage the control of the number of children. 

The government should come forward to empower women and improve the status of women and girls. People in rural places should be educated and modern amenities should be provided for recreation.

So we can summarise the topic by stating that population explosion is a term used to state the rapid growth of people in a particular area. It is because of lack of education, illiteracy, lack of proper knowledge of sex education, rituals, and superstition in the country’s most populated area. 

Overpopulation results in a lack of development and exploitation of resources, whereas India’s strength in the global world in various fields cannot be ignored. By raising public awareness and enlisting strict population control norms, India will be able to tackle this issue.

It doesn’t mean that will happen very quickly and without any effort. It will take time because India constitutes one of the huge countries of about 138 Crore (2020) people. Proper, effective, and steady steps will lead India to a greater good.

 It helps the country control the population explosion and also helps to provide good results in several other things like the good environment, abundant natural resources, proper employment, proper literacy rate with high growth in development, etc.

All this could be possible if we take some measures and be good citizens of this country. So that is how we can overcome this issue of population explosion.

FAQs on Population Explosion Essay

1) What is Population Explosion?

Population Explosion refers to a rapid increase in people in a particular area. Occurring due to reasons like increased birth in the area, decreased mortality rate, and inflow of residents, population explosion may lead to shortage of resources, negatively affecting the development of the area.

2) How is the birth rate related to population explosion?

Birth rate is directly proportional to population explosion because of people’s lack of knowledge and literacy. Most common in poor families, where more children means more means of income, increased birth rate gradually results in a population explosion.

3) What are the measures to avoid population explosion?

Better education (specially for girl child), creating awareness of family planning, providing proper knowledge of Sex Education, etc. can be some solutions to tackle the issue.

4) What is the difference between death rate and infant mortality rate?

The ratio between deaths and individuals in a particular population during a particular period is the death rate, whereas the infant mortality rate refers to the number of infants below 6 months who died within the same period.

5) What are the major reasons for the population explosion?

The major factors responsible for population explosion are illiteracy, reduced mortality, increased birth rate, and life expectancy.

Essay on Population in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Essay on Population: Population refers to the total number of organisms inhabiting in a particular area. The rapid growth of population in certain parts of our planet has become a cause of concern. Population is commonly referred to the total number of people living in an area. However, it also defines the number of organisms who can interbreed. Human population is growing at a rapid pace in certain countries. These countries are being advised to control human control measures.

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Long and Short Essay on Population in English

Here are some essays on Population of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exams/school assignments. You can select the needed ones population essay:

Population Essay 1 (200 words)

The world population is increasing at a very fast pace. The last five to six decades have especially seen a tremendous growth in the human population. There are several reasons for the same. One of the main reasons for this is the development in the field of medical science that has brought down the death rate. Another reason is the growing birth rate especially in the poor and developing countries. Lack of education and lack of family planning are among the top reasons for the high birth rate in these countries.

Ironically, while the human population is increasing rapidly, the population of animals and birds is decreasing by the day. In an attempt to satisfy their needs, the humans are cutting down on forests that serve as a shelter for the wild animals. Several species of animals and birds have been impacted due to this. The growing pollution due to the ever increasing traffic and the establishment of various industries is another reason for the decrease in population of the fauna. This is because it is having a negative impact on the weather.

It is time the governments of the countries with high population must take strict measures to control the same else our planet will no longer be fit for the survival of the mankind.

Population Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

Population is a commonly used term to denote the number of people living at a place. The density of population in different parts of the world varies drastically owing to several reasons.

Uneven Distribution of Population

Population on earth is distributed unevenly. While there are certain countries that are facing the problem of population explosion others are sparsely populated. This is not just the case with the human population it also holds good for animals and other organisms. At certain places you will see greater number of animals while at some places you will hardly find any.

Things that Impact Population Density

The density of population in any area is calculated by dividing the total number of people by the area they are living in. The density of population differs in different places owing to several reasons. Some of the factors that influence the density of population in an area are as follows:

Places with extremely hot or cold climates are sparsely populated. On the other hand, those that enjoy moderate climate are densely populated.

The areas with good availability of resources such as oil, wood, coal, etc are densely populated while those that lack these basic resources are sparsely populated.

• Political Environment

Countries that enjoy a stable government and a healthy political environment are densely populated. These countries attract immigrants from other countries there by populating the area. On the other hand, countries with poor or unstable government see many people leaving at the availability of any good opportunity elsewhere.

• Standard of Living

First world countries such as U.S.A. attract a lot of immigrants as they offer much better packages and a good standard of living to people. People from different parts of the world immigrate to such countries. This is the reason why the density of population in such countries is increasing.

Even though certain places around the globe have low density of population, the overall population of the country has increased over the last few decades and is likely to increase manifolds in the times to come.

Also Read: Overpopulation in World Essay in English for Children and Students

Population Essay 3 (400 words)

Population implies to the total number of organisms inhabiting in a particular place. Growth of human population has become a cause of concern in many parts of the world, mainly in the poor countries. On the other hand, there are places where the rate of population is very low.

Increasing Population – A Major Problem in India

India is faced with the problem of growing population. Around 17% of the world’s population resides in India making it one of the most populous countries in the world. As is the case with almost every developing country, there are several reasons that contribute to the increase in population in India. One of the main reasons for the growth of population in India is illiteracy. People from the uneducated and poor class are seen bearing greater number of children. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, more children for them mean more number of hands to work and earn money for the family. Secondly, most of them are not aware about the birth control methods. Early marriage also results in greater number of children. The growth in population may also be attributed to low death rate. Treatments and cures for various illnesses have been developed and thus the death rate has gone down.

Steps Taken for Population Control in India

The government of India has taken certain steps to control the Indian population. Some of these are as follows:

• Minimum Marriageable Age

The government has set the minimum marriageable age for men as 21 years and for women as 18 years. However, there is no stringent check on the same. People in the rural and backward areas of the country still marry their children at an early age. The government must increase the minimum age of marriage and also keep a stringent check on the same.

• Free Education

The government of India has also made free education available for the children of the country by way of its Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. Eradicating illiteracy is another way to control population.

• Promoting Adoption

The government of India is also promoting the adoption of children. There are several people who abandon their children at birth owing to various reasons. Adopting children rather than having one’s own is also a good way to control population.

Growing population is a serious concern in India. While the government has taken certain steps to control the same these are not effective enough. There are many other measures that need to be taken to curb this issue.

Population Essay 4 (500 words)

Population commonly refers to the total number of people living in a particular region. However, the word population does not only mean the human population but also the wildlife population and the overall population of animals and other living organisms who have the ability to reproduce. Ironically while the human population is increasing at a rapid pace, the population of animals is going down.

How Science and Technology has Led to Human Population Explosion?

There are several factors that have led to population explosion in various parts of the world over the last few decades. One of the leading factors is the progress in the field of science and technology. While earlier there was a balance between the birth rate and the death rate of human beings, the advancement in medical science has created an imbalance in the same. Medicines and advanced medical equipments have been developed to cure several diseases. With the help of these, the death rate among human beings has been brought down and this has led to population explosion.

Besides, technological growth has given way to industrialization. While earlier most people were involved in agricultural activities and earned their livelihood via the same, many have now turned towards jobs in different factories. The population of the regions where these industries are set up is thus becoming denser by the day.

Impact of Human Population Growth on Wildlife Population

While the human population is on the verge of explosion, the wildlife population is decreasing over the time. The population of several species of birds and animals has gone down drastically owing to factors for which the human beings alone can be held responsible. Some of these are discussed below in detail:

• Deforestation

The wildlife animals reside in forests. Deforestation means destroying their habitat. Nevertheless, the human beings are ruthlessly cutting and destroying the forests to fulfil their own needs. Several species of animals have decreased and several others have gone extinct due to the degradation or loss of their habitat.

• Growing Pollution

The growing air, water and land pollution is another major reason why several animals are dying at an early age. Many species of animals are not being able to cope up with the growing pollution. They incur certain diseases due to it and face fatal consequences.

• Changes in the Climate

The climate in various parts of the world has changed drastically. Many areas that earlier received moderate rainfall now witness flood like conditions. Similarly, the areas that remained mildly hot during the summer season now experience extremely hot weather. While the human beings are equipped to adapt to such situations, animals cannot withstand the same.

Man has always thought about his well-being and comfort overlooking the impact it has on the plants, animals and the overall environment around him. If human beings continue to behave this way earth would no longer remain fit for the survival of the human beings. It is time we must recognise the importance of controlling the human population as well as the practices that are ruining our planet.

Population Essay 5 (600 words)

Population is the term used to denote the total number of people living in an area. It does not only refer to the human beings but also to other forms of living organisms that have the ability to reproduce and multiply. The population in many parts of earth is increasing. While the governments of different countries are trying to curb the issue by various means, a lot still needs to be done in order to control it.

Why is it Necessary to Control Population?

The growing rate of population is a cause of several problems. The developing countries are struggling hard to reach up to the level of the developed countries and the rapid growth in the population in these countries is one of the main hindrances in this direction. The problem of unemployment is on all time high only because of the growing population. There are numerous people seeking jobs but the vacancies are limited. Unemployment causes poverty which is another problem. It also creates dissatisfaction among the people and gives rise to crime. Those who do not get their desired jobs often adopt unsolicited means to earn money.

It is also to be understood that the resources are limited but due to the increasing number of people the demand is growing higher. Forests are being cut and huge office and residential buildings are being made in their place. Why? It is all being done to accommodate the growing population. Natural resources are being depleted at a rapid pace because of greater number of people using them. This is causing an imbalance in the environment. More and more natural resources are being used to meet the demands of the people. This does not only cause degradation of the environment but also increases the cost of living. Controlling the population has thus become the need of the hour. It is necessary for establishing balance and harmony in the environment. It will also ensure better standard of living for people.

Possible Steps to Control Human Population

Here are a few possible steps to control the human population:

People from the poor and uneducated classes are mostly the ones who do not plan family. They treat women as a child bearing machine and have children one after the other. It is essential to educate people. The government must take steps to make education necessary for all.

• Family Planning

It is essential for the government to sensitize people about the importance of family planning. This should be done repeatedly by means of radio, television, internet and other forms of communication.

• Monetary Benefits

The government should exempt the taxes or provide other monetary benefits to the families who have single child. Since people today are money driven, this will be an effective step towards controlling population. The governments of quite a few countries have already implemented such policies.

• Fine or Penalty

Just as the government can provide monetary benefits to those who do proper family planning, it should also put a fine on the ones who do not. A penalty should be levied on the families with more than two children.

• Strict Monitoring

The government must not only implement the aforementioned points but also keep a stark check on the same and ensure that these are followed.

People must understand the importance of controlling the population. It would not only give them a clean and green environment and a better standard of living but will also help in the overall development of their country. The government must also take this matter seriously and put proper rules and policies in place to ensure population control. Both the public and the government require working together to control this problem.

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Population Explosion Essay

500+ words population explosion essay.

Population explosion means a sudden increase in the number of individuals in a particular species. The term is used to refer to the world’s human population. In India, the Population explosion has become a severe matter of concern because the increase in population leads to poverty and illiteracy. In this situation, it is difficult to cope with the economy of the country with the rapid growth of the population. The Government of India is now looking into the matter seriously, and many states have framed laws to tackle the problem of population explosion.

Major Causes of Population Explosion

1. increase in birth rate.

One of the major causes for the growth of the population is the high birth rate. During the 1891-1990 period, the birth rate declined from 45.8 per thousand in India, but it is still considered high. So, unfortunately, in India, the birth rate has not seen a decrease in spite of the framing laws in terms of family planning, population education, campaigns, etc.

2. Decrease in Death Rate

In recent years, the decrease in the death rate has been another factor contributing to the rapid growth of the population. In 2001, the death rate in India was about 8.5 per thousand. The death rate has seen a decrease due to advancements in the medical field. For example, chronic diseases like typhoid, chickenpox, etc., are no longer dreaded. Even the infant mortality rate has decreased because of proper sanitation facilities, cleanliness, and better prenatal and postnatal care.

3. Early Marriage

Early marriage is also an essential factor in the rapid increase in population. In India, the marriage age of a girl is 18, which is very low compared to other countries, which is about 23 to 25 years. It leads to a longer span of reproductive activity.

4. Religious and Social Reasons

In India, marriage is considered a compulsory social institution, and every person should marry. Every individual in a joint family takes equal responsibility and has access to an equivalent level of consumption. So, people don’t hesitate to increase their family size to a joint family. In India, most people think that one male child is necessary, and in the expectation of getting a male child, they increase their family size.

Another major cause of the population explosion is poverty. In most families, children become the source of income. From a very young age, children start working for their families instead of going to school, and they become a precious asset to the family. So, every individual becomes an earning member and additional income for the family.

6. Standard of Living

It is seen that people with a low standard of living wish to have additional children as it will be an asset for them rather than a liability. As we know, most of India’s population is uneducated, so they don’t understand the importance of family planning. They are unaware that they can enjoy a better quality of life with a small family.

7. Illiteracy

In India, 60% of the population is either illiterate or has minimum education, which leads to minimal employment opportunities. So, due to the high illiteracy rate and belief in social customs, child marriage and preference for a male child still prevail. As a result, there is a rapid population growth rate in India.

Effects of Population Explosion

1. the problem of unemployment.

An increase in population leads to a vast army of the labour force. But, it is difficult to employ such extensive labour working force due to a shortage of capital resources. Disguised unemployment in rural areas and open unemployment in urban areas are fundamental features of an underdeveloped country like India.

2. More Pressure on Land

Overpopulation creates more pressure on land. It adversely affects the economic development of the country. On the one hand, per capita availability of land goes on diminishing and on the other, the problem of subdivision and fragmentation of holdings increases.

3. Environmental Degradation

Extensive use of natural resources and energy production of oil, natural gas, and coal negatively impacts the planet. An increase in population also leads to deforestation, which directly affects the environment, and it also degrades the soil’s nutritional value and causes landslides and global warming.

So, at last, we can wrap up the essay by stating that overpopulation is considered one of the biggest challenges humanity faces.

Students can also get different essays by visiting BYJU’S website. We have compiled a list of crucial CBSE Essays from an exam perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions on Population Explosion Essay

How can population explosion be controlled.

Awareness campaigns on childbirth control and the gap between consecutive children should reach the common public. It is necessary to take such initiatives to keep the population of a country in control.

Which country has the highest population?

China is a country with a maximum population of about 1.448 billion citizens.

How is the younger generation affected due to this population explosion?

The resources which are meant exclusively for the younger generation get split and are divided due to the population explosion of a country.

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Population Explosion Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay population explosion essay.

Population explosion refers to the number of people that live in an area. It is a major issue for developing countries. Also, the government is not taking proper measures to control this problem. Besides, it generates many issues in the country that cause many problems for people.

Meaning of Population Explosion

It refers to the rapid increase in the population of an area among human beings. Furthermore, it is a situation where the economy is not capable of coping with the increasing demand of its population.

Causes of Population Explosion

The cause of the population explosion includes many factors and reasons. These includes:

Increase in the birth rate- Due to lack of control on delivery and unawareness of people the birth rate is increasing rapidly. In addition, the gap between death and birth has gone way wider than what we can think of. Furthermore, the birth rate has increased many folds in comparison to the death rate.

A decrease in infant mortality rate- Mortality rate refers to the number of death of infants below the age of 6 months. Due to science and technology , we are able to minimize this rate and now only a few cases of death are known per thousand death.

The life expectancy growth- Earlier the life expectancy of people was around 55-60 years. But due to better and improved medical facilities, we are now able to increase the life expectancy of people. Now the average age of a person increased to 70-75 years.

Besides, these better living conditions, good quality food, better nutrition , and better sanitation facilities also helped in increasing life expectancy.

High level of illiteracy- The literacy level of women is one of the biggest problems of family planning. In India, people pay very little importance to women’s education and marry them at an early age. That’s why they do not have knowledge about birth control methods and the use of contraceptives.

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Effects of Population Explosion

The population explosion affects natural resources and many sectors of the economy in many ways:

Unemployment- Due to the increase in the population the demand for jobs and employment also increases. But, due to a lack of resources and employment opportunities , there are millions of jobless people in India.

In addition, the condition of unemployment is growing day by day. To face this problem most the people are either migrating to other countries for better job opportunities.

Poverty-  Due to the large population there a large number of people who belong to below the poverty line and they do not have adequate knowledge of the overpopulation of the country. Also, they are the major contributor to a high birth rate.

Prevention of population explosion

There are various methods by which we can prevent a population explosion. The government can take measures to aware of the population about the various methods that can help in controlling the population. Also, it should implement some strong campaign for family planning and birth control.

To sum it up, the population explosion has caused huge pressure on the surface of the earth. Also, we can control many issues of the earth by controlling population growth. Besides, many problems like food insecurity, illiteracy, poverty, and unemployment can be minimized by controlling the population.

FAQs about Population Explosion Essay

Q.1 What are the major reason for the population explosion? A.1 The major factors that are responsible for population explosion are illiteracy, reduced mortality, increased birth rate, and an increase in life expectancy.

Q.2 What are the major reason for the population explosion in India? A.2 The major reason for the population explosion in India are unemployment, large population, poverty and illiteracy, small health condition and several other problems.

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Essay on population in india.

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Read this comprehensive essay to learn about the 1. Definition of Population, 2. Aspects of Population in India, 3. Age and Sex Structure, 4. Sex Ratio in India and Its Determinants, 5. Growth Rate of Population in India, 6. Factors Contributing to the High Growth Rate of Population, 7. Population Projection in India (2001-2026), 8. Population Projection in India by 2050.

India like most countries of the world, has evolved from conditions of high mortality due to famines, accidents, illness, infections, and war and from the time when high levels of fertility was essential for survival of offspring. Over the years, enhancement in areas of diseases prevention, cure and vagaries of nature, and better care for women and infants, it has witnessed significant increase in life expectancy along with a steep fall in mortality.

Essay # 1. Definition of Population:

Population is defined as the total number of individuals of a species in a specific geographical area; can interbreed under natural conditions to produce fertile offsprings and functions as a unit of biotic community.

Similar populations of a species occupying different geographical areas are called sister populations of a species e.g., all the frogs (Rana tigrina), water hyacinth (Eichhornia—an aquatic weed) plants found in a pond and individuals of the common grass, Cyanodon dactylon, in a given area form the populations of frog, water hyacinth and common grass respectively of that pond.

The frogs (Rana tigrina) found in different ponds form the local populations and are sister populations of one another. A local population may be occupying a very-small sized area e.g., a temporary pool of water. Other examples of populations are all the cormorants in a wetland, rats in an abandoned dwelling, teak wood trees in a forest tract, Paramecia in a culture tube, mosquito fish in a pond, etc.

In a geographical area, the population is further divisible into sub-groups called demes. The individuals of a population are capable of interbreeding among themselves. The chances of this sexual communication are more between the members of same deme than between the members of different demes of that population which are further reduced between the members of sister-populations. Due to this mating ability, there is free flow of genes in a species.

Essay # 2. Aspects of Population in India:

Size and Growth:

The current population of India is 1,342,528,871 (1.34 billion) people and it is the second most populous country in the world, while China is on the top with over 1,415,489,506 (1.41 billion) people. Out of the world’s 7 billion people, India represents almost 17.85% of the world’s population. It is predicted that India will beat China to become the highest populous country by 2030. With the population growth rate at 1.2%, India is predicted to have more than 1.53 billion people by the end of 2030.

More than 50% of India’s current population is below the age of 25 and over 65% below the age of 35. About 72.2% of the population lives in some 638,000 villages and the rest 27.8% in about 5,480 towns and urban agglomerations. The birth rate (child births per 1,000 people per year) is 22.22 births/1,000 population while death rate (deaths per 1000 individuals per year) is 6.4 deaths/1,000 population. Fertility rate is 2.72 children born/woman and infant mortality rate is 30.15 deaths/1,000 live births.

India has the largest illiterate population in the world. The literacy rate of India as per 2011 Population Census is 74.04%, with male literacy rate at 82.14% and female at 65.46%. Kerala has the highest literacy rate at 93.9%, Lakshadweep (92.3%) is on the second position, and Mizoram (91.6%) is on third. The population of a state like Uttar Pradesh is almost equal to the population of Brazil. It has, as per 2001 Population Census of India, 190 million people and the growth rate is 16.16%. The population of the second most populous state Maharashtra, which has a growth rate of 9.42%, is equal to that of Mexico’s population.

Bihar, with 8.07%, is the third most populous state in India and its population is more than Germany’s. West Bengal with 7.79% growth rate, Andhra Pradesh (7.41%), and Tamil Nadu (6.07%) are at fourth, fifth, and sixth positions respectively. The sex ratio of India stands at 940. Kerala with 1058 females per 1000 males is the state with the highest female sex ratio. Pondicherry (1001) is second, while Chhattisgarh (990) and Tamil Nadu (986) are at third and fourth places respectively. Haryana with 861 has the lowest female sex ratio.

Determinants of Population Change:

The main causes which are generally identified for the high population in India are listed here:

(a) The Birth Rate is still Higher than the Death Rate:

India has been successful in declining the death rate. On the other hand, it has not been able to control the high birth rates. The fertility rate due to the population policies and other measures has been falling, still it is much higher compared to other countries. Various social causes are at the root of overpopulation in India.

(b) Early Marriage and Universal Marriage System:

Though legally the marriageable age of a girl is 18 years, the concept of early marriage still prevails and getting married at a young age prolongs the child bearing age. Also, in India, marriage and child bearing are sacrosanct obligations and a universal practice, and almost every woman is married at the reproductive age.

(c) Poverty and Illiteracy:

Underprivileged families have a presumption that more the number of members in the family, more will be the hands to earn income. Some feel that more children are needed to look after them in their old age. Also, malnutrition can be the cause of death of their children and hence the need for more children. Many parts of India still lag behind the use of contraceptives and birth control methods. Many of them are not willing to discuss or are totally unaware about them.

(d) Age Old Cultural Norm:

Sons are believed to be the bread earners, the carriers of lineage, and the source of salvation for their parents. Many families give birth to multiple children in the hope of a male child.

(e) Illegal Migration:

Finally, the fact that illegal migration is continuously taking place from lesser developed neighbouring countries is leading to increased population density.

Implications of the Size and Growth of Population:

The impact of overpopulation is varied and has far reaching consequences in many areas of life.

Ecological Consequences:

Overpopulation causes massive ecological damage by the wasteful, unnecessary, and unbalanced consumption and exploitation of nature. The review on “Promotion of Sustainable Development- Challenges for Environmental Policies” in the Economic Survey 1998-99 had covered in detail the major environmental problems and policy options for improvement.

According to this review, in many developing countries, continued population growth has resulted in pressure on land, fragmentation of land holding, collapsing fisheries, shrinking forests, rising temperatures, and loss of plant and animal species. Global warming due to increasing use of fossil fuels (mainly by the developed countries) could have serious effects on the populous coastal regions in developing countries, their food production, and essential water supplies.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has projected that, if current greenhouse gas emission trends continue, the mean global surface temperature will rise from 1 to 3.5 degrees Celsius in the next century. The panel’s best estimate scenario projects a sea- level rise of 15 to 95 cms by 2100. The ecological impact of rising oceans would include increased flooding, coastal erosion, salination of aquifers, and coastal crop land and displacement of millions of people living near the coast. Patterns of precipitation are also likely to change, which combined with increased average temperatures, could substantially alter the relative agricultural productivity of different regions. Greenhouse gas emissions are closely linked to both population growth and development. Slower population growth in developing countries and ecologically sustainable lifestyles in developed countries would make reduction in greenhouse gas emission easier to achieve and provide more time and options for adaptation to climate change. Rapid population growth, developmental activities either to meet the growing population or the growing needs of the population, as well as changing lifestyles and consumption patterns pose major challenge to preservation and promotion of ecological balance in India.

Some of the major ecological adverse effects reported in India include:

1. Severe pressure on the forests, due to both the rate and the nature of resources used. The per capita forest biomass in the country is only about 6 tons as against the global average of 82 tons.

2. Adverse effect on species diversity.

3. Conversion of habitat to land use such as agriculture, urban development, and forestry operation. Some 70-80% of fresh water marshes and lakes in the Gangetic flood plains have been lost in the last 50 years.

4. Tropical deforestation and destruction of mangroves for commercial needs and fuel wood. The country’s mangrove areas have reduced from 700,000 ha to 453,000 ha in the last 50 years.

5. Intense grazing by domestic livestock.

6. Poaching and illegal harvesting of wildlife.

7. Increase in agricultural area, high use of chemical fertilizers pesticides and weedicides, water stagnation, soil erosion, soil salinity, and low productivity.

8. High level of biomass burning causing large-scale indoor pollution.

9. Encroachment on habitat for rail and road construction, thereby fragmenting the habitat.

10. Increase in commercial activities such as mining and unsustainable resource extraction.

11. Degradation of coastal and other aquatic ecosystems from domestic sewage, pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial effluents.

12. Over fishing in water bodies and introduction of weeds and exotic species.

13. Diversion of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses leading to increased river pollution and decrease in self-cleaning properties of rivers.

14. Increasing water requirement leading to tapping deeper aquifers which have high content of arsenic or fluoride resulting in health problems.

15. Disturbance from increased recreational activity and tourism causing pollution of natural ecosystems with wastes left behind by people.

Urbanisation:

The proportion of people in developing countries who live in cities has almost doubled since 1960 (from less than 22% to more than 40%), while in more developed regions the urban share has grown from 61% to 76%. Urbanisation is projected to continue well into the next century. By 2030, it is expected that nearly 5 billion (61%) of the world’s 8.1 billion people will live in cities. India is also a part of this global trend.

India’s urban population has doubled from 109 million to 218 million during the last two decades. As a consequence, cities are facing the problem of expanding urban slums. Cities and towns have become the location of social change and rapid economic development. Urbanisation is associated with improved access to education, employment, and health care; these result in increase in age at marriage, reduction in family size, and improvement in health indices.

As people have moved towards and into cities, information has flowed outward. Better communication and transportation now link urban and rural areas both economically and socially creating an urban-rural continuum of communities with improvement in some aspects of lifestyle of both. The ever increasing reach of mass media has made information readily available. This phenomenon has affected health care, including reproductive health, in many ways.

For instance, radio and television programmes that discuss gender equity, family size preference, and family planning options are now reaching formerly isolated rural populations. This can create awareness for services for mothers and children, higher contraceptive use, fewer unwanted pregnancies, smaller healthier families, and lead to more rapid population stabilisation.

However, the rapid growth of urban population also poses some serious challenges. Urban population growth has outpaced the development of basic minimum services— housing, water supply, sewerage, and solid waste disposal; increasing waste generation at home, offices, and industries, coupled with poor waste disposal facilities result in rapid environmental deterioration. Increasing automobiles add to air pollution. All these have adverse effect on ecology and health. Poverty persists in urban and peri-urban areas; awareness about the glaring inequities in close urban setting may lead to social unrest.

Rural Population and Their Development:

Over 70% of India’s population still lives in rural areas. There are substantial differences between the states in the proportion of rural and urban population (varying from almost 90% in Assam and Bihar to 61% in Maharashtra). Agriculture is the largest and one of the most important sectors of the rural economy and contributes both to economic growth and employment.

Its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product has declined over the last five decades but agriculture still remains the source of livelihood for over 70% of the country’s population. A large proportion of the rural workforce is small and consists of marginal farmers and landless agricultural labourers. There is substantial under employment among these people; both wages and productivity are low. These in turn result in poverty; it is estimated that 320 million people are still living below the poverty line in rural India.

Though poverty has declined over the last three decades, the number of rural poor has in fact increased due to the population growth. Poor tend to have larger families which puts enormous burden on their meagre resources, and prevent them from breaking out of the shackles of poverty. In States like Tamil Nadu where replacement level of fertility has been attained, population growth rates are much lower than in many other States; but the population density is high and so there is a pressure on land.

In States like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, population is growing rapidly, resulting in increasing pressure on land and resulting in land fragmentation. Low productivity of small land holders leads to poverty, low energy intake, and under nutrition, and this, in turn, prevents the development, thus, creating a vicious circle. In most of the states, non-farm employment in rural areas has not grown very much and cannot absorb the growing labour force. Those who are getting educated specially beyond the primary level, may not wish to do manual agricultural work.

They would like better opportunities and more remunerative employment. In this context, it is imperative that programmes for skill development, vocational training, and technical education are taken up on a large scale in order to generate productive employment in rural areas. The entire gamut of existing poverty alleviation and employment generation programmes may have to be restructured to meet the newly emerging types of demand for employment.

Rural poor have inadequate access to basic minimum services, because of poor connectivity, lack of awareness, and inadequate and poorly functional infrastructure. There are ongoing efforts to improve these, but with the growing aspirations of the younger, educated population, these efforts may prove to be inadequate to meet the increasing needs both in terms of type and quality of services.

Greater education, awareness, and better standard of living among the growing younger age group population would create the required consciousness among them that smaller families are desirable; if all the felt needs for health and family welfare services are fully met, it will be possible to enable them to attain their reproductive goals, achieve substantial decline in the family size, and improve quality of life.

Water Supply:

In many parts of developed and developing world, water demand substantially exceeds sustainable water supply. It is estimated that currently 430 millions (8% of the global population) are living in countries affected by water stress; by 2020, about one-fourth of the global population may be facing chronic and recurring shortage of fresh water.

In India, water withdrawal is estimated to be twice the rate of aquifer recharge; as a result water tables are falling by one to three meters every year; tapping deeper aquifers have resulted in larger population groups being exposed to newer health hazards such as high fluoride or arsenic content in drinking water. At the other end of the spectrum, excessive use of water has led to water logging and increasing salinity in some parts of the country.

Eventually, both lack of water and water logging could have adverse impact on India’s food production. There is very little arable agricultural land which remains unexploited and in many areas, agricultural technology improvement may not be able to ensure further increase in yield per hectare. It is, therefore, imperative that research in biotechnology for improving development of food grain strains that would tolerate salinity and those which would require less water gets high priority.

Simultaneously, a movement towards making water harvesting, storage, and its need based use part of every citizens life should be taken up.

Food Security:

Technological innovations in agriculture and increase in area under cultivation have ensured that so far, food production has kept pace with the population growth. Evolution of global and national food security systems has improved access to food. It is estimated that the global population will grow to 9 billion by 2050 and the food production will double; improvement in purchasing power and changing dietary habits (shift to animal products) may further add to the requirement of food grains.

Thus, in the next five decades, the food and nutrition security could become critical in many parts of the world, especially in the developing countries and pockets of poverty in the developed countries.

Levels and Trends of Fertility in India:

Recent data suggest a clear decline in fertility throughout the country, including in the large north Indian states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan), where since 1971, TFR has declined by 27-28%. Elsewhere, fertility decline has been faster. Compared to rural fertility, urban fertility has declined at a faster pace. The urban TFR has dropped to 2.1 or to a replacement level or less in urban areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal.

However, we need to be concerned not just with the level of fertility but with the total size of the population or its annual growth. Therefore, we can take little comfort from the observed decline in the TFR, and must recognize the fact that the annual increase in the total population of the country is likely to exceed about 18 million, higher than in China and equal to the total population of several countries.

However, if the success of the family planning programme is neutralised by the success of the health policies, it is certainly not fair to label the former as a failure. The results of knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) surveys indicating a widespread desire to regulate the size of the family induced an excessive faith in what the supply of services by female health workers or the auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) might achieve.

Levels and Trends of Mortality in India:

The infant mortality rate (IMR) of around 200-225 per 1000 live-births at the time of India’s independence in 1947 has declined to about 40 per 1000 births today. Admittedly, even this figure far exceeds the IMR in China, which has now declined to around 30. Within India, only Kerala, with about 93% of births occurring in institutions and another 6% attended by trained birth attendants, has achieved an even lower IMR of 17.

Elsewhere, the IMR ranges between low 50s in Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, and high values between 85 and 98 in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Orissa. Obviously, there is substantial scope and need for a further decline in the present high IMR.

The interstate differentials are evident in life expectancy as well, which in India has risen from about 32 years in the 1940s to nearly 66, 21 years during 2012. The figure for Kerala exceeded 73 years, and Punjab was second with 67 years, whereas Assam and Madhya Pradesh reported nearly 18 years lower than Kerala’s life expectancy.

The slow mortality decline may partly be attributed to the fact that the universal programme of immunisation was initiated only in the mid-1970s. It now covers the entire country but even during 1995-96, 33% of the rural children aged 0-4 had not received BCG and 56 and 45% of the rural children had not received oral polio vaccine and the DPT doses.

There has been some controversy in India that the programme has led to a certain imbalance in the allocation of funds. Critics argue that as a result, the much-needed effort to eliminate malnutrition and to minimise the number and proportion of low birth-weight babies has not received the requisite attention.

Implications of the Levels of Mortality:

There is no doubt that a reduction in the level of infant, child, and maternal mortality and an improvement in the availability of prenatal, natal, and postnatal care would help to lower the ‘high wanted fertility’ or the number of living children desired by couples. Unfortunately, the rural infrastructure is so weak that even today only about 30% of all villages had an all-weather approach road.

The possible efforts of pregnant women to access the health care system to meet crisis situations are frustrated by the inadequacies of road transport and communication, which also discourages the teachers of rural schools to attend to their duties. According to the 1991 Census, 65% of Indian villages had a population of less than 1000 persons and 42 had less than 500 persons each.

The average population of a village in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the two states with a below replacement level of fertility, was 15476 and 2325, much higher than the national average of 1061. The size class of population of a village is an excellent indicator of the size of the rural market, the extent of diversification of economic activities of the population, and also the level of development. The road network integrates villages into the mainstream of the economy and increases the options to access social and economic opportunities and services in the rest of the country.

According to the broad experience of the fertility transition that has occurred in developed countries as well as in the newly industrialised economies of Southeast and East Asia, it is modernisation or westernisation that helps to lower the traditionally high levels of fertility. The process includes high levels (exceeding 75%) of literacy, urbanisation, and industrialisation, and a rise in the status of women. Some recent reviews of the subject have added to these variables the spread of communications and transport as key factors influencing fertility decline.

Implications of the Levels of Fertility:

In an analysis of change in the level of fertility between 1970-72 and 1989-91, the various socio-economic variables (female literacy, urbanisation, infant mortality, percentage of male workers engaged in non-farm activities) in the 16 major states showed no statistically significant association, except for female literacy. However, the values for Kerala seem to contribute a great deal to the association.

Otherwise, one essentially observes two clusters of states. One of the clusters includes the four large North Indian states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) with both a high TFR and low female literacy and the second cluster having moderate levels of both TFR and female literacy.

The sharp decline in the level of fertility in Tamil Nadu without anything like the high level of literacy and low levels of infant and child mortality observed in Kerala, attests to the difficulty of identifying preconditions for fertility decline. Fertility has declined by more than 50% and reached almost three-fourths of the way towards a replacement level of fertility in at least three districts of Gujarat state where the IMR continues to be high and female literacy rates are much lower than even in Tamil Nadu.

These findings do not imply that universal literacy and low infant and child mortality are not worthwhile goals for a society to pursue or that societies can divert resources from the pursuit of these objectives to other issues. They do confirm, however, that it is difficult or impossible to specify the threshold levels of progress in social goals or modernisation that would usher in a sharp fertility decline.

In several discussions, Kerala’s experience is cited as a model to suggest that universal female literacy, low infant mortality, and a high status of women, summarised as social development, would help to accelerate fertility transition. However, the important role of international migration to the Gulf countries as a means of escaping the poverty trap and the associated rise in the aspirations of living desired for the family and the children is often underestimated.

Likewise, the history of matriarchal tradition in Kerala is often cited as indicating the high status enjoyed by Kerala women. However, the evidence on the subject is by no means clear. The key word at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) at Cairo was empowerment of women. However, the concept of empowerment is difficult to translate. The NPP 2000 has stressed the need for ending discrimination against girls during childhood and early adolescence and against women during the childbearing period in order to improve their health and nutrition. Legal action is certainly not enough. Many laws enacted by our progressive legislatures continue to be violated with impunity in large parts of India.

Determinants of Declining Mortality:

The main reasons responsible for the decline in mortality rate are as under:

1. Decline in Epidemics:

In India, systematic efforts are being made to reduce the incidence of epidemics like plague, malaria, etc.

2. Urbanisation of Population:

Majority of population has migrated to towns. In 2011 Census, about 31% of the total population was in towns as compared to 28% in 1991. Moreover, development of medical and sanitary conditions has also reduced the death rate.

3. Late Marriages:

The late marriages have been encouraged in the country. Laws regarding marriages have been vigorously enforced.

4. More Medical Facilities:

Medical facilities in the country are going on to develop rapidly.

5. Spread of Education:

The literacy ratio in the country has been increasing at an equal interval. People have more resources and better facilities to nourish their children.

6. Change in Habits:

Habits of the people are also changing. Now they have more care for their health which has led to a decline in death rate.

7. Decline in Social Evils:

In India, various social evils like caste system, superstition, etc. are steadily being rooted out. This has also led to the decline in the death rate.

8. Balanced Diet:

People are getting better and balanced diet.

Essay # 3. Age and Sex Structure:

Currently, nearly half of the global population is below 25 years of age and one sixth is in the age group 15-24. In developed countries the reproductive age group population is relatively small; their fertility is low and the longevity at birth is high. Population profiles of these countries resemble a cylinder and not a pyramid. These countries have the advantages of having achieved a stable population but have to face the problems of having a relatively small productive workforce to support the large aged population with substantial non-communicable disease burden.

Some of the developing countries have undergone a very rapid decline in the birth rates within a short period. This enabled them to quickly achieve population stabilisation but they do face the problems of rapid changes in the age structure and workforce which may be inadequate to meet their manpower requirements. In contrast, the population in most of the developing countries, including India, consist of a very large proportion of children and persons in the reproductive age.

Because of the large reproductive age group (Population momentum) the population will continue to grow even when replacement level of fertility is reached (couples having only two children). Age statistics form an important component of population analysis, as most of the analysis is based on age-sex structure of the population.

The usefulness of age data is more noticeable when it is cross classified by variables like marital status, literacy, educational attainment, and economic activity which vary with age in different patterns. Apart from purely demographic concerns, the age-sex data structure is required for age specific analysis of data for planning, scientific, technical, and commercial purposes.

The dependency ratio, which is the ratio of economically active to economically inactive persons, is dependent on age composition. India has one of the largest proportions of population in the younger age groups in the world. 31.2% of the population of the country has been in the age group 0-14 years. Census 2001 data on marital status of persons show that out of over a billion population of the country, 513 million (49.8%) have reported as ‘Never married’, mainly due to high proportion of young people. The ‘Married’ constitute about 45.6% of the total population.

Essay # 4. Sex Ratio in India and Its Determinants:

The sex ratio of India has shown improvement during last two decades. Sex ratio, as per the recent Census is 940 which is largely comparable to the best performance (941 in 1961) in last fifty years. Several steps, including gender equality awareness campaigns were taken by the government to arrest the trend of declining sex ratio.

State Wise Comparison with All India Averages:

The lowest sex ratio among the States has been recorded in Haryana (877), Jammu & Kashmir (883), and Sikkim (889). Among the UTs, the lowest sex ratio has been returned in Daman & Diu (618), Dadra & Nagar Haveli (775), and Chandigarh (818). Among the major States, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gujarat have experienced a fall in the sex ratio. The decline ranged from 2 points in Gujarat to 9 points in Jammu & Kashmir.

Other smaller Union Territories showing steep decline are Dadra & Nagar Haveli (37 points) and Daman and Diu (92 points). Perceptible increase has been observed in the major states such as Uttar Pradesh. It is interesting to note that states having historically low sex ratio such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chandigarh have shown appreciable increase in the sex ratio in Census 2011 with Chandigarh and Delhi showing an improvement of more than 40 points compared to 2001.

Majority of the states identified as gender critical for special attention and intervention as part of the Census 2011 have shown increasing trend in the sex ratio as per the provisional results.

Essay # 5. Growth Rate of Population in India:

1. Growth during 1891 to 1921 :

The growth of population in India can be properly studied in three distinct phases. During the first phase of 30 years, i.e., from 1891 to 1921, the size of population in India increased from 23.6 crore to 25.1 crore, i.e., by 1.5 crore, showing the annual compound growth rate of only 0.19 per cent per annum. But the average annual growth rate of population gradually increased from 0.30 per cent in 1901 to 0.50 percent in 1911 and then attained a negative growth rate of -0.03 per cent in 1921.

2. Growth during 1921-51 :

During the second phase of 30 years, i.e., from 1921 to 1951, India’s population increased from 25.1 crore to 36.1 crore, i.e., by 11 crore and the annual compound growth rate during this second phase was 1.22 per cent. But the annual average growth rate of population in India gradually increased from 1.06 per cent in 1931 to 1.34 per cent in 1941 and then slightly declined to 1.26 per cent in 1951.

3. Growth during 1951-81:

During the third phase of 30 years, i.e., from 1951-1981, the size of population in India increased from 36.1 crore in 1951 to 68.3 crore in 1981, i.e., by 32.4 crore and the annual compound growth rate during the period was 2.15 per cent. Besides, the annual average growth rate of population in India increased from 1.98 per cent in 1961 to 2.20 per cent in 1971 and then to 2.25 per cent in 1981.

4. Growth during 1981-2011 :

Again as per 1991 census report, the total size of population in India increased to 84.4 crore in 1991 showing an annual average growth rate of 2.11 per cent which is slightly less than the previous decade. The decadal growth rate of population which was 24.7 per cent in during 1971-81 and then finally declined slightly to 24.8 per cent during 1981-91.

As per provisional census figure of 2001, the total population of India as on 1st March, 2001 stood at 102.70 crore. The decadal growth rate of population which was 23,8 per cent during 1981-91, gradually declined to 21.34 per cent in 1991-2001, showing a decadal increase of population to the extent of 18.3 crore. The annual average growth rate of population in India during 1991-2001 stood at 1.93 per cent.

As per provisional population totals of census 2011 the total population of India as on 1st March 2011 Stood at 121.07 crore. The decadal growth rate of population which was 21.34 per cent during 1991-2001, gradually declined to 17.70 per cent during 2001-2011, showing a decadal increase of population to the extent of 18.19 crore.

Thus as it was expected, that the rate of growth of population in India would decline significantly in response to country’s family planning programme. But it has not come true. At present India is passing through the second stage of demographic transition and thus facing a serious ‘population explosion’.

This population explosion itself reflects the cause and consequences of underdevelopment character of the economy. Thus although India experienced a sharp fall in the death rate due to its substantial expansion of hospital and medical facilities but the rate of growth of population in the country remained still high mainly due to its high birth rate.

Table 6.1 reveals that in 1891, total population of India was 23.6 crore and then it subsequently increased to 25.1 crore in 1921, 36.1 crore in 1951, 54.8 crore in 1971, 68.3 crore in 1981 and then to 84.4 crore in 1991. The size of population on 1st March 2001 was 102.7 crore and then it further increased to 121.07 crore in 2011.

Essay # 6. Factors Contributing to the High Growth Rate of Population:

Biological Factors:

1. Sharp Fall in Death Rate:

In India the death rate has fallen sharply during the first half of the twentieth century, i.e., from 42.6 per thousand in 1901-11 to 12.8 per thousand in 1951-61. Various factors are responsible for this sharp fall in death rate. Kingsley Davis mentioned that, “The causes of decline in Indian mortality are harder to establish than the fact itself.”

However, the factors which have largely contributed to this sharp fall in the death rate include removal of famines leading to eradication of starvation death, control of epidemics arising through cholera and small pox, decline in the incidence of malaria and tuberculosis and some other factors like improvement of public health measures like drinking water supply, improved hygienic and sanitation facilities and the improvement of medical and hospital facilities.

Thus all these factors had led to sudden and phenomenal fall in the death rate in recent years, i.e., to 7.0 per thousand in 2013 and this is considered as the most important factor for this high rate of growth of population in India.

2. No Substantial Fall in the Birth Rate:

During the first half of the present century, the birth rate in India did not fall substantially. The birth rate in India declined marginally for 49.2 per thousand in 1901-11 to 41.7 in 1951-61 and then to 21.8 per thousand in 2011.

Due to this maintenance of birth rate to a very high level, the rate of growth of population in India remained all along high. Moreover, due to tropical climate, puberty of women in India starts at an early age leading to a large number of births.

3. Accelerating Natural Growth Rate:

The most important factor which is responsible for the high rate of growth of population is its accelerating natural growth rate. This has resulted from the wide gap between the birth rate and death rate of population in India. The factor which is again responsible for this wide gap is the sudden and phenomenal fall in the death rate no substantial fall in the birth rate.

Due to remarkable advance in medical sciences along with the improvement and expansion of public health and medical facilities, the death rate in India has come down from 27.4 per thousand in 1951 to above 9.0 per thousand in 1996.

But the birth rate of Indian population still remained as high as 27.4 per thousand in 1996. All these had led to a severe increase in the natural growth rate of population from 12.5 per thousand in 1951 to 25.3 per thousand in 1971 and then slightly declined to 14.7 per thousand in 2011.

Social Factors:

1. Universality of Marriage:

Marriage is almost universal in India as it is a religious and social necessity of the country. Parents feel that it is their social obligation to arrange marriages for the daughters. Thus presently in India, about 76 per cent of women of their reproductive age are married and by attaining the age of 50 only 5 out of 1,000 Indian women remain unmarried. Hence, this has resulted a very high birth rate.

2. Practice of Early Marriage:

Practice of early marriage is very much common in various parts of the country and the average age of marriage is still around 18 years. Between the ages of 15 to 20 years, more than 8 out of every 10 girls got married in India. Thus the practice of empty marriage raises the span of reproductively. Some reduction of fertility would be possible if the average age of marriage of Indian women can be raised to 25 or more.

3. Illiteracy:

In India, illiteracy is widespread as a significant portion of Indian population and women in particular are still illiterate. The literacy rate among the women in India is only 65.4 per cent as against 82.1 per cent among men and the incidence of female illiteracy is comparatively much higher in backward states.

It has been observed by most of the economists that spread of education alone can change the attitudes of the people towards marriages, family, birth of a child etc. and help the people to shed irrational ideas and religious superstitions.

There is an inverse correlation between the spread of education and fertility. The findings of the Operations Research Group Survey show that birth rates in general are lower and adoption of family planning norms become more popular in those states where education is more widespread.

Further, due to lack of education, the response of rural population in respect of adoption of family planning norms and use of contraceptives are not at all encouraging.

4. Religious and Social Attitudes:

Religious and social attitudes of the Indian people induce to prefer large families. The idea to have sons and daughters for performing religious rites and to earn religious merit is still very much common in Indian society.

As Mamdani observed, “Marriage vows and blessing put emphasis on the good fortune of having many children………………. Sanctions against childless women further underline the necessity of children.” Moreover, social attitudes towards unmarried men and women and childless couple are not very encouraging. Further, the existence of joint family system induces thoughtlessness about the number of children.

5. Ignorance and Lack of Conscious Family Planning:

People of India are very much ignorant about the biology of reproduction, need for birth control and devices of birth control. In India, there is also lack of conscious family planning along-with lack of birth control devices, more particularly in the rural areas. That is why the Family Planning Programme in India could not do much headway in reducing the birth rate.

6. Other Factors:

Various other factors, viz., tropical climate, existence of polygamy, higher widow remarriages etc. are responsible for this high rate of growth of population in India. Moreover, growing immigration of population from the neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal etc. is also raising the growth rate of population in India to a considerable extent.

This problem of immigration is very much acute in Assam and north-eastern states, West Bengal and Bihar. This has been creating the problem of influx of population within the country besides raising a threat towards national security.

Essay # 7. Population Projection for India (2001-2026):

Population projection is a scientific attempt to peep into the future population scenario, conditioned by making certain assumptions, using data relating to the past available at that point of time. Assumptions used and their probability of adhering in future, forms a critical input in this mathematical effort.

Predicting the future course of human fertility and mortality is not easy, especially when looking beyond in time as medical and health intervention strategies, food production and its equitable availability, climatic variability, sociocultural setting, politico economic conditions, and a host of other factors influence population dynamics, making it difficult to predict the growth with certainty. Therefore, caution must be exercised while making or using the population projections in the context of various conditions imposed.

The Component Method is the universally accepted method of making population projections because growth of population is determined by fertility, mortality, and migration rates. Twenty-one States have been considered and applied the Component method. They are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

pThe projection of the seven north-eastern states (excluding Assam) has also been carried out as a whole. For the State of Goa and six Union territories, Mathematical Method has been applied. The data used are 2001 Census and Sample Registration System (SRS). SRS provides time series data of fertility and mortality, which has been used for predicting their future levels.

Critical Demographic Issues:

The salient features of the population projections at the national level, and some of the underlying assumptions in this regard, are as under:

1. The population of India is expected to increase from 1029 million to 1400 million during the period 2001-2026—an increase of 36% in twenty- five years at the rate of 1.2% annually. As a consequence, the density of population will increase from 313 to 426 persons per square kilometer.

2. The crude birth rate will decline from 23.2 during 2001-05 to 16.0 during 2021-25 because of falling level of total fertility. In contrast, the crude death rate is expected to fall marginally due to changing age structure of the population with the rising median age as a result of continuing decline in fertility and increase in the expectation of life at birth. It will drop from 7.5 during 2001-05 to 7.2 during 2021-25.

3. The infant mortality rate of the country, which is reported to be 63 in 2002, is expected to go down to 40 by the end of the period 2021-25.

4. Between 2001 and 2026, because of the declining fertility, the proportion of population aged under 15 years is projected to decline from 35.4 to 23.4%; the proportion of the middle (15-59 years) and the older ages (60 years and above) are set to increase considerably.

With the declining fertility, along with the increases in life expectancy, the number of older persons in the population is expected to increase by more than double from 71 million in 2001 to 173 million in 2026—an increase in their share to the total population from 6.9 to 12.4%. The proportion of population in the working age group 15-59 years is expected to rise from 57.7% in 2001 to 64.3% in 2026.

5. Another important consequence of the declining fertility will be that, at the national level, the population in the school-going age of 5-14 years is expected to decline from 243 million in 2001 to 222 million in 2026. The share of the population aged 5-14 years to total population of all ages is expected to decrease by 5% from 24% in 2001 to 19% in 2011 and by 3% between 2011 to 2026 (19 to 16%).

6. The youth population in the age group 15-24 years is expected to increase from 195 million in 2001 to 224 million in 2026. Its proportion to total population is expected to fall from 19% in 2001 to 16% in 2026.

7. The average Indian will be expected to be of 31 years old in 2026 compared to 23 years old in 2001.

8. Out of the total population increase of 371 million between 2001 and 2026, the share of the workers in the age group 15-59 years in this total increase is 83%. This has implication in the productivity of labour in future.

9. The sex ratio of the total population (females per 1000 males) is expected to decrease (i.e., become less feminine) from 933 in 2001 to 930 during 2026.

10. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is expected to decline from 2.9 during 2001-2005 to 2.0 during 2021-25. The assumption is that the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) would decline steadily and would touch the floor value of 1.8 in some states. With this, the weighted TFR is projected to reach the replacement level of 2.1 by the period 2021.

11. The urban population in the country, which is 28% in 2001, is expected to increase to 38% by 2026. The urban growth would account for over two-thirds (67%) of total population increase by 2026. Out of the total population increase of 371 million during 2001-2026 in the country, the share of increase in urban population is expected to be 249 million.

12. The demographic projections suggest that by 2026, the population of India will reach 1,384 million.

State Level Demographic Projections:

Considerable variation in the demographic growth amongst the States has been estimated.

The salient features of the projections at the state level are as under:

1. The State, which is expected to have least growth in the quarter century (2001-2026) is Tamil Nadu (15%), followed by Kerala (17%). In contrast, Delhi will have the highest projected growth of 102% during 2001-2026. States, which will have projected growths in the range of 20-30% are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

The population in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh is projected to increase by 40-50% during 2001-2026, which is above the national average of 36%. The population of Uttar Pradesh is expected to be highest among all the states of the country at almost 249 million in 2026.

2. Of the projected increase in population of 371 million in India during 2001-26,187 million is likely to occur in the seven States of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttaranchal (termed as BIMARU states, since it was so before division). Thus, nearly 50% of India’s demographic growth during this period of twenty five years, is projected to take place in these seven states. 22 % of the total population increase in India of 371 million during 2001-26 is anticipated to occur in Uttar Pradesh alone.

The population in these seven states together is expected to grow at 1.5% per annum during 2001-26. In contrast, the contribution of the four southern states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, to the total increase in population size of the country during 2001-2026 is expected to be 47 million—13% of total demographic growth of the country. The population in these four states together is expected to grow at 0.8% per annum during 2001-26.

3. Continuing decline in fertility and increase in the expectation of life at birth is expected to make a difference to the proportion of older population (60 years and above) between states. The State of Kerala, where lower fertility and mortality rates have been achieved earlier than the other states, the proportion of older persons aged 60 years and above is expected to increase from 11% in 2001 to 18% in 2026.

Thus, almost every sixth individual in Kerala is expected to be a senior citizen by 2026. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh is expected to have an increase of the proportion of old age population from 6% in 2001 to 10% in 2026, implying that the population of Uttar Pradesh will be expected to be relatively younger compared to that of Kerala. The median age of population in Kerala is expected to go up from 28 years in 2001 to 38 years in 2026. In contrast, the median age in Uttar Pradesh is expected to go up from 19 years to 27 years.

4. Because of declining fertility level in all the states, the crude birth rates (CBR) will also be declining. By 2021-25, except Uttar Pradesh, no state is expected to have a crude birth rate of 20 and above. The highest CBR of 20.5 per thousand is expected to be in Uttar Pradesh followed by Madhya Pradesh (18.0) during 2021-25.

Assam, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Uttaranchal are expected to have CBRs in the range of 16.5-17.6, close to the projected national level of 16.0. In most of the other states, the CBRs will be in the range 12-15. Kerala will be expected to have the least CBR of 12.3 followed by Tamil Nadu (12.5) during 2021-25.

5. In contrast to the CBRs, the situation is expected to be different in case of crude death rates (CDR). Because of increase in the expected proportion of ageing, in some of the states namely, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and North Eastern Region, the crude death rates are likely to increase during 2021-25.

6. The infant mortality rate (IMR) is expected to decline in all the states during 2001-25. The IMR, which was highest in Orissa in 2002 at 87 is expected to come down to 52 in 2021-25, followed by Madhya Pradesh (51). Other states, where IMRs are expected to be in the range of 40-50 during 2021-25 are Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh. The lowest IMR is expected to be in Kerala, from 12 in 2001-05 to 8 during 2021-25. It will be followed by Delhi with IMR declining from 25 in 2001-05 to 18 during 2021-25.

7. In so far, as the projected sex ratio is concerned, it is observed that in some of the northern states, the population is expected to be more masculine, that is, the ratio will decrease in 2026. Lowest sex ratio of 789 is expected to be in Delhi in 2026, followed by 839 and 840 in Haryana and Punjab respectively. In the southern and eastern states except Kerala, the situation would be reverse. In Kerala, where there are excess females than males the trend would remain the same in 2026. Tamil Nadu is the other state, where the number of females is expected to be equal to the number of males in 2026.

Essay # 8. Population Projection in India by 2050 :

United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) has projected the size of population of India and other countries by 2050 and the figures are released in its report ‘State of World Population 2008’. The report reveals that India whose population is growing by 1.5 per cent, will have 165.8 crore people against China’s 140.8 crore by 2050.

Accordingly, India will become the most populous country overtaking China by 2050.

The total fertility rate in India is 2.78 per cent which it is 1.73 in China where the population of growing by 0.6 per cent. The population of Pakistan will also increase from the current figure of 16.7 crore to 29.2 crore by 2050. The population of Bangladesh will increase from 16.1 crore to 25.4 crore by 2050. However, the population of Sri Lanka would witness negative growth as its present population will decline from 1.94 crore to 1.87 crore by 2050.

Some other Asian countries who are projected to be having negative growth include Japan and Korea. The population and U.S.A will increase from 30.8 crore at present to 40.2 crore by 2050. However, the World population will increase from 647 crore at present to 919 crore by 2050. The major chunk of the population growth will be recorded in less developed countries.

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Essay , Geography , India , Population

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The Aging Population Essay

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Introduction

Challenges posed by an aging population, impacts on labour, impacts on government spending, impact of an aging population on healthcare, government measures, benefits of an aging population.

There has been a general trend of increase in the life expectancy of the population of many countries. This has been brought about by the governments taking measures to improve the quality of healthcare. Diseases which used to kill people in large numbers are now much more reduced; thus, the reduced mortality may be a factor that contributes to the increase in the proportion of the aged group.

However, there has also been reduced fertility of the people who live in most developed countries. Though in most developing countries the fertility rate is still high, these countries are expected to experience reduced fertility rates gradually until they reach a point where most of the population will comprise of mainly the aged.

Improvement in the healthcare systems of developing nations also leads to reduced mortality, thereby making the aged to comprise a sizeable population of the nations. However, increase in the aged population creates many economic and social conditions which government must be able to anticipate and devise mechanisms to help solve the issues.

The aging population poses many different challenges. Here we discuss the challenges posed by an aging population with four perspectives in mind.

• Impacts on healthcare

The increase in the proportion of the people who are old leads to a decrease of the number of people who are within the working age. This greatly affects the labour market of the concerned countries. Generally, the working age is approximately 15-64 years; and as the ratio of the aged population increases, the number of people who are retiring increases. However, the number of people who join employment to fill the vacancy left by the retired people is less than the number of people who have left employment.

This decline is due to the low fertility rates of the population (Groshen and Kliitgaard, 2002, p 2). This leads to a reduction of the workforce which is available to for economic development. Another important dimension to the problem is the fact that since most of the workforce is occupied by the aged leads to reduced output. This reduced output of the workers ultimately leads to reduced economic growth

The aged population does not normally work for the government; they mainly depend on the social services provided by the government. These social services provided by the government are mainly the social security services and pension schemes as well as medical insurance cover targeting mainly the old population.

The pension given to the old is normally funded by the people who are in active employment; that is, the contribution that the working population makes to the scheme is used to pay the benefits of the retired people, a system known as the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG). Therefore, reduction in the number of people who join employment leads to a reduction in the funds available to cater for pension fund payments.

Given that the proportion of people who are leaving employment through retirement is expected to increase greatly especially when the population which was born during the baby boom (1946-1964) reaches the retirement age (Zaidi, 2008, p 7), the government would be forced to look for funds from alternative sources. Therefore, the increased ageing increases the number of people who depend on the government to cater for expenses.

Medical insurance provided for the old is mainly categorized into two groups; Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is specifically designed to help the provision of healthcare to people who are 65 years and above, and covers the cost of in-patient healthcare. Medicaid covers medical expenses of the poor regardless of whether they are aged or not.

It mainly covers for long-term and severe ailments of them. However, the main burden of the government due to Medicaid is the fact that most of the citizens in the middle-class do not have a sizeable saving to protect them from any health eventuality when they are old. These people will use all their assets in case of any eventuality, making them to qualify for Medicaid and leading them to be admitted into nursing homes.

However the increase in the cost of social insurance for the aged specifically medicare an medicaid has attracted so much political debate with the government being urged to curtail the increase so as to reduce the financial burden of the policies.

The aged people are usually faced with many ailments due to reduced ability of the body to fight against certain diseases. The diseases of old age are mainly due to the physiological and psychological changes which have occurred over time. These diseases include depression and certain types of cancer, among others; therefore, these people will occupy more bed space in hospitals. In addition, the aged population requires specialized care and hence more attention to be provided by the nurse or doctor.

Increase in the population of this people will therefore demand the deployment of more doctors and nurses in the hospitals; however, some of the aged people can be taken care of in nursing homes for the elderly. But due to the shortage of nursing homes, these people end up being hospitalized; leading to overstretching of the available facilities (Willis, 2008, p 26) .This increases the government spending on healthcare issues if it does not take appropriate measures.

Nevertheless, increase in the government spending in order to meet financial obligation posed by the increased aged population will lead to increased government debt if the government does not take effective measures to avert the problem.

In order to address the problem of reduced workforce due to an aging population, most governments enacted policies which encourage people to work longer. This measure will help in increasing the number of people who retire late and thereby help in reducing the government’s financial obligations towards the old (Groshen and Kliitgaard 2002 p 3). Moreover, increased dependency also makes the government to increase taxes so as to cater for its financial obligations towards the old.

The government has set up measures to ensure that the aged continue to enjoy quality lifestyles even after retirement. These measures include setting up Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, Welfare and Supplemental Security Income.

Due to the extra financial burden of meeting the cost of social security of people, the government has proposed an increase in the age that the social security fund can be fully accessed. This reduces the term that a person will receive the benefits, thereby reducing the money that the government spends on social security (Aaron and Orszag, n.d).

Most governments have devised methods to reduce the money paid to the old as social security. This may be in the form of changing the methods used to increase the social security of the old so as to protect them from the effects of inflation. Some governments have also increased the retirement age so that people work longer, hence reducing the dependency on the government’s social welfare services.

The governments have also devised methods of improving the fertility rates so as to counter the challenge of reduced labour force posed by increase in old age population. The government does so in various ways; for instance, the government may give cash bonuses to encourage people to have more children, as well as encouraging immigration. These immigrants should be young than the mean age of the current population, who will be able to enhance the existing workforce (Foot, 2008, p 3).

Despite the fact that the aging population poses real economic problems to the government, the impacts of an aging population are somehow exaggerated. The aging population may indeed be of benefit to the government if government is able to cope properly with the problems and put appropriate measures.

The older generation who are richer than the rest of the community can get involved in community voluntary activities hence helping in improving the quality of life of the society. In addition, older generation people are also more law abiding than the young people; therefore, the increase in the population will lead to reduced crime as the older generation does not get involved in crime per se (Quadagno, 2010)

Due to the fact that an older generation leads to general reduction in population, the presence of a large proportion helps to combat high population growth and hence reduce the effects of uncontrolled population growth. There will be a reduction in the problems of poor housing due to overcrowding as the aged population will be able to afford decent housing.

This will have reduced impact of the problems that overcrowding causes on the environment. Moreover the aged population is also likely to get involved in voluntary activities some of which may be of benefit to the environment (Quadagno, 2010)

Lack of enough manpower in the labour market is also likely to lead to a reduction in the levels of unemployment and hence reduces the problems associated with unemployment. These include the reduction of poverty levels and crime associated with unemployed population. The increase in the aged population may also lead to reduced government spending on education, a major expense of that the government always foots (Quadagno, 2010).

The economic recession made governments to think of ways to cut back on their spending pattern. Therefore, since increase in ageing population increases the financial burden of the government, the government must devise appropriate mechanisms to deal with the problem.

Moreover, if the government properly understands the problems, it can be able to turn around the phenomenon so that it may be of more benefit to the whole nation. This is mainly through the enactment of proper legislation to help cope with the risks posed by the problems. Moreover, the most effective way of combating the problem would be through the gradual increase in the retirement age of the workforce to cope with the problem.

Aaron, H. J. and Orszag, P. R. (N.d). The impact of an aging population. Web.

Foot, D. K. (2008). Some economic and social consequences of population ageing . Web.

Groshen, L. E. and Kliitgaard, T. (2002). Live long and prosper: challenges ahead for an aging population . Current issues in economics and finance , Vol. 8, No. 2. Web.

Quadagno, J. (2011). Aging and the life course: An introduction to social gerontology. Boston: MA: McGraw-Hill.

Willis, E. and Reynolds, L. (2008). Understanding the Australian Health Care System. NSW: Elsevier.

Zaidi, A. (2008). Features and challenges of population ageing: the European perspective. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2018, December 27). The Aging Population. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-aging-population/

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Community Essay Examples

When crafting your college applications, writing strong essays is essential. Through your essays, you demonstrate who you are–from your values and passions to your lived experiences. Indeed the personal statement is the most common college essay. However, you will also likely have to write some supplemental essays as part of your college application requirements. One of the most common supplemental essay types is the community essay. This essay type is also known as a describe the community you live in essay, cultural diversity essay, or community service essay.

In this article, we will introduce several community essay examples. Most importantly, we’ll describe why they are considered college essays that worked. Specifically, we will share community essay examples from the two schools:

• Princeton University
• Columbia University

By studying these admissions essay samples, you can see what makes these college community essay examples strong and apply those same principles to your writing.

Reviewing Types of College Essays

Each school has different supplemental essay prompts for their college application requirements. However, there are a few types of essays that are most common. By becoming familiar with these essay types, you can begin to brainstorm and strategize what you will write about early on. You might start as early as sophomore or junior year in high school. 

Now, let’s take a look at the most common supplementary essay questions.

Common Supplementary Essay Questions

1. why school.

A Why School essay is, as it sounds, about why you wish to attend a specific institution. The key to answering this prompt well is to be specific. You should identify examples of what you like about a school. Avoid general comments such as “it is a top school” or “it is diverse.” Share specific programs, professors, teaching approaches, cultural elements, or unique opportunities such as research or study abroad.

2. Why Major

The Why Major essay asks you to share specific reasons behind your choice of major and how it relates to your future goals. A strong response to a Why Major essay will highlight your specific motivations. But it will also connect those motivations to a school’s unique opportunities. For example, perhaps you wish to be a pre-law history major, and the school you are applying to offers law-related internships. By highlighting these specific connections, you draw a compelling connection between yourself and the school.

3. Extracurricular Activity

Many schools ask you to describe an extracurricular activity that is particularly meaningful for you. When responding to this question, do not feel limited to only talk about the most popular extracurricular activities for college applications, like clubs or sports. Consider all of the activities you do outside of school. Then choose the one that is most meaningful to you. Also, give specific examples of how you grew or made an impact within your extracurricular activities for college.

4. Community Essay

The Community Essay can have slightly different angles to it. But, the uniting factor is that the school wants to know how you engage with others around you. Some types of community essays are a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay. In recent years, the cultural diversity essay has been a more common college application requirement.

Coming up, we will share a bit more about how to break down community essay prompts. We’ll also take a look at college essays that worked. By reading these examples, you’ll know how to approach these common prompts.

How to identify a community essay?

While community essays can have slightly different focuses, they all share the goal of learning about where you come from. A supplemental essay prompt might ask you to share more about your background via a group you are part of. This is likely a community essay. Indeed, a community essay can also be called a describe the community you live in essay, or a cultural diversity essay. Other college community essay examples focus on how you will contribute to a college campus. Finally, in a describe a community you belong to essay example, you will see that students highlight any community that is meaningful to them.

You may be wondering why so many colleges have community essays as a college application requirement. For one, many colleges use a holistic admissions process. This means they care about all aspects of who you are, not simply your grades and test scores. How you engage with your communities shows them your character and values. For example, a describe the community you live in essay example about visiting church every Sunday demonstrates your commitment to religion. Similarly, a cultural diversity essay helps colleges learn more about your cultural background. 

Additionally, colleges want to learn more about how you will engage with their on-campus community. You’ll notice this important factor in the college community essay examples we will share. To some degree, how you have engaged with previous communities can be an indicator of how you will show up on their campus.

How is a community essay different?

As we mentioned, community essays can have slightly different focuses. Some prompts ask you to write a describe the community you live in essay. These types of community essays are more like cultural diversity essays. 

Keep in mind that the word “community” can have many different meanings. A community can be your school, church, or neighborhood. It could also stem from your interests. For example, your dance or robotics team can form your community.

Some community essay prompts want to know specifically how you help strengthen your communities. These types of essays are considered a community service essay. Another term for community service is “civic engagement.” An example of civic engagement might be getting people in your cultural community to sign up to vote. Or, another could be helping with church fundraisers to ensure that your local community has the resources it needs to thrive. 

In sum, the keywords you might see in a community essay prompt are “civic engagement,” “community service,” “serve your community,” “contribute to your community,” or “diversity.” No matter how it’s phrased, your essay should demonstrate the impact you’ve had on your community–whichever one you choose to highlight. 

What are some examples of community essays?

In this article, we will share several community essay examples. Specifically, we will highlight Princeton essay examples and Columbia essays examples. Let’s look at these two colleges’ essay prompts. 

The first Princeton supplemental essay prompt is a part of our college community essay examples and our cultural diversity essay examples. Here is the prompt:

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #1: Cultural Diversity Essay and College Community Essay Examples

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. as a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. what lessons have you learned in life thus far what will your classmates learn from you in short, how has your lived experience shaped you  (please respond in 500 words or fewer.).

In this cultural diversity essay prompt, Princeton wants to know about your lived experiences. By this, they refer to any experiences that have shaped you profoundly. A lived experience can be a specific event, such as experiencing a car crash or winning an award. Or, it could be a set of experiences that resulted from life circumstances, such as being a first-generation college student or having taken a gap year .

This essay prompt will also lead to college community essay examples. Indeed Princeton wants to read about your lived experiences and how they impacted you. But, they also want to know how you will bring those lessons to the Princeton community, should you enroll . Also, note that this prompt mentions challenging ideas and beliefs via conversation. As you respond, look for ways to highlight how you have engaged in fruitful dialogue and how you would do so at Princeton.

To answer this prompt effectively, share specific examples. Additionally, be sure to answer all parts of the prompt. 

Princeton has a second supplemental essay prompt that focuses on how you engage with your community outside of the classroom. The prompt is as follows: 

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #2: Civic Engagement

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer) .

To answer this prompt well, you must highlight specific examples of how you have positively impacted your community. As a starting point, consider which of your communities you have most engaged with. How have you done so and what results did you have?

The Columbia Community Essay Prompt is another of our college community essay examples. It is a cultural diversity essay, as well. Here is the prompt: 

Columbia Community Essay Prompt: A Cultural Diversity Essay

A hallmark of the columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer).

While this prompt is similar to Princeton’s, it also references perspectives and viewpoints. In doing so, the prompt opens you up to share opinions or values that are important to you. You might consider highlighting values in your family or community that you either hold close or disagree with. 

Note that Columbia also highlights the word “collaborative” in this prompt. This indicates that your cultural diversity essay should also show how you collaborate with others.

Which schools require a community essay?

In addition to Princeton and Columbia, many other schools have community essays as part of their college application requirements. Here are some other examples of community essay prompts:

In this UNC-Chapel Hill prompt , you must describe a specific example of how you made an impact on a community. The prompt reads:

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill: A Community Service Essay Prompt

Discuss one of your personal qualities and share a story, anecdote, or memory of how it helped you make a positive impact on a community. this could be your current community or another community you have engaged. (250-word limit).

In responding, be sure to highlight what community you are referencing, the specific impact you made, and what personal quality helped you do so.

This prompt from UMichigan is a describe a community you belong to essay example, as well as a cultural diversity essay:

The University of Michigan: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (required for all applicants. 1,500 character limit.).

In addition to describing the community, make sure to share how you engage with it and what it has taught you. Remember that community is a broad term. So, for this prompt you can respond with any type of community in mind, whether physical or cultural. In contrast to the describe the community you live in essay, you do not have to be geographically close to the community you describe here.

Duke University: Cultural Diversity Essay Prompts

Duke offers students five supplemental prompts to choose from, of which they can reply to two. Of these supplemental prompts, four are examples of cultural diversity essays:

1. We believe a wide range of viewpoints, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to maintaining Duke as a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

2. we believe there is benefit in sharing or questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with what are you agreeing or disagreeing about, 3. duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community., 4. we recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity..

Each of these prompts is a slightly different type of cultural diversity essay, from sharing a range of opinions to not fitting in within a community. Choose the essay prompts that most resonate with you. And share specific examples that bring your cultural diversity essay to life.

In this Yale University supplemental prompt , you must choose a community that you feel connected to and describe why it is meaningful. Here’s the prompt:

Yale University: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. why is this community meaningful to you you may define community however you like. (400-word limit).

When responding, be sure to highlight what you have learned or how you have grown from this community. In contrast to a describe the community you live in essay, this essay can be about any community, near or far, that resonates with you. Indeed, the prompt gives you plenty of leeway in what you consider community. 

When responding to the UC system prompts , you must choose four of the eight available personal insight questions. One of the PIQs is a community service essay prompt:

The University of California Personal Insight Question: A Community Service Prompt

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place, things to consider: think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. you can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community, why were you inspired to act what did you learn from your effort how did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community.

Similar to many of the other prompts, when answering this question, be sure to identify the specific impact you made on your community.

Now that we have looked at various examples of community essay prompts, we can explore community essay examples. Reading essay examples is a great way to get inspired to write your own college essays. 

In each of the highlighted college essays that worked, note what the author did expertly. Rather than trying to copy their responses, topics, or ideas, consider how you can apply those same skills to your writing. 

Princeton Community Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Princeton essay examples that respond to their two community essay prompts: a cultural diversity essay and a community service essay. 

The first of our Princeton essay examples responds to the following Princeton prompt: 

Princeton Essay Examples #1: Cultural Diversity Essay

Now, let’s take a look at a student’s response to this prompt focusing on lived experiences. 

Princeton Essay Examples #1 Student Response

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town of 1.8 square miles called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values.

In the face of distinct cultures and customs, we forge a single identity as Highland Parkers and come together to organize large community events. The most prevalent example is our highly touted annual Memorial Day parade, where we join together with neighboring New Brunswick to invite military service members, family members of our fallen war heroes, our legislative and congressional representatives, and our townspeople. Moreover, as our high school band’s vice president, I help organize and lead our ensemble into these performances with a positive and uplifting spirit. We communicate with the town government and arrange the performances every year to perform at the parade. The parade is an example of many of our large community events that serve as a unifying force for our diverse community, reminding us that we are fundamentally connected as one cohesive group, despite our differences. 

As someone deeply interested in historical and political matters, I am well aware of the consequences that arise from dictatorial protocols that limit the freedom of speech and diversity of voices. From my experiences debating in Model UN conferences, I have grown accustomed to being able to present viewpoints from both sides of the argument, and I have learned to incorporate and respect the viewpoints of all sides of an issue before making up my own mind. For example, in a Model Congress debate, I found myself advocating for the interests of a state heavily reliant on traditional fossil fuels. While researching and articulating that perspective, I gained insights into the economic challenges faced by the states that are reliant on these resources. This experience not only broadened my understanding of the complexities surrounding environmental policies but also highlighted the necessity of considering diverse viewpoints for comprehensive decision-making. 

My background and experiences have fostered in me a profound appreciation for the value of diversity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge. At Princeton University, I will seek to contribute as an active participant in the community, actively provide unique perspectives and insights, and respect and learn from others’ perspectives even if there are disagreements. I wish to partake in student government, which has like-minded peers who want to make a substantive impact, and also participate in service programs like the Civic Leadership Council. Also, I hope to increase my impact from the leadership positions I currently hold on the Red Cross club and teen mayoral advisory council using the platforms in Princeton. I look forward to making a positive impact on both the campus and the broader community. 

Why This Cultural Diversity Essay Worked

In the first of our Princeton essay examples, the student successfully responds to all parts of the Princeton prompt. They begin by describing their community and sharing some details about its makeup. Indeed, the first sentence hooks the reader–it is unique and compelling. 

Then, the student illustrates how they specifically contribute to their community each year by leading the high school band in the Memorial Day parade. They also highlight how their experience in Model UN shaped their appreciation for diverse perspectives. In sharing these two examples, the student demonstrates their leadership and open-minded thinking. Finally, the student ends by highlighting how they would use these values to contribute to Princeton’s community– by partaking in student government and Civic Leadership Council, among other activities.

In the second of our Princeton essay examples, the student responds to the second Princeton prompt which is: 

Princeton Essay Examples #2: A Community Service Essay

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer).

And, here is a student’s response:

Princeton Essay Examples #2 Student Response

My first experience with the Red Cross was when my older sister was desperately trying to recruit people to join the club during the harsh COVID year. Things were so bad for the club that I, as a freshman, ran for the position of treasurer unopposed. My first blood drive experience was marked by masks, social distancing, and low turnout among blood donors. Even many donors who showed up ended up being turned away due to health-related issues. Needless to say, it was not the greatest first high school service experience, and I admittedly started to doubt if the time I spent on this front was worth it. 

However, as we returned in person, things quickly turned around. As the vice president of the club, I helped recruit more than twice the club membership compared to the previous year, and our blood drives started to regain momentum; our blood targets have been exceeded every time since. Organizing and participating in blood drives has become a passion. It’s fulfilling, especially when I personally donate, to know that I’m actively serving the community and saving lives. I have realized that, despite my relatively young age, I am capable of making an impact through public service. I plan to continue my commitment to the Red Cross’s adult program and participate in service programs like Community Action at Princeton to serve the Princeton community and abroad.

Why This Essay Worked

In this admissions essay sample, we learn about a student’s volunteerism with the Red Cross as an example of civic engagement. This essay works for several reasons. First, it provides a specific example of the student’s civic engagement and demonstrates their impact by becoming vice president and increasing membership. Secondly, the essay provides an honest take on the struggles of this service experience, which lends credibility and authenticity to the story. 

The student also demonstrates an important lesson learned. This aligns with Princeton’s values– that students can have a positive impact on society. 

Columbia University Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Columbia essays examples that landed students admission to the prestigious Ivy League university. The first of our Columbia essays examples is written by the same student who responded to the first Princeton prompt above. Here’s a reminder of the Columbia prompt: 

As you read the example below, notice how the student edited their Princeton cultural diversity essay to meet the prompt and lower word count for Columbia:

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values. 

HP has convinced me that we can build institutions that are strong and united while embracing a wide variety of voices and perspectives. It has shaped my core values of diversity and inclusion. An English teacher used to encourage me to talk in front of the class by saying even if I believed my thoughts were “dumb,” I could only enrich the conversation.

At Columbia University, I will seek to continue my contributions as an active participant in the community and look to actively provide unique perspectives and insights. Actively engaging in student groups such as ColumbiaVotes will be a big part of my experience. 

The Columbia essay prompt only allows for a 150-word response. This could pose a challenge for many students. What makes this essay among the Columbia essays examples that worked is how succinctly it completely answers the prompt. 

The response begins by hooking the reader with a relevant detail of the student’s community. Then, the student shares how this community shaped them by influencing their values of diversity and inclusion. Finally, the student shares how they would engage with a Columbia organization that also supports diverse viewpoints. Though short and sweet, this response clearly answers all parts of the Columbia prompt. 

More Community Essay Examples

The final of our community essay examples is a community service essay. Let’s look at how student framed their service experience:

“I don’t believe that’s the best way to do this.” 

The moment I thought this the first time I volunteered at my local soup kitchen was one that resulted in a drastic change. When I was informed of the way the food was being served to the public, the initial excitement that I had felt diminished. We were told that the plates would be served before anyone arrived and would remain in an area where people could pick it up and seat themselves. I felt that this method was impersonal and inconsiderate, and disappointment washed over me. 

I turned to the people that were around me and discovered that they shared the same disapproval I felt. When we agreed that a change must be made, we exchanged ideas on how to present this to the woman in charge of the program. I suggested that we should serve each person one-by-one, and only give them the food if they wanted to/could eat it. They suggested multiple ideas, including that we should offer to seat them, hold their plates for them, continue to check in on them, and dispose of their plates once they finish their meal. We believed that this way would genuinely make them feel better and would allow us to get to know some of them personally. A simple smile and conversation could be enough to improve their day. 

From this day on, the way in which the local soup kitchen serves our community has changed dramatically. This experience taught me the importance of speaking up for what you believe in. In a group setting, it is likely that there will be others who share the same end goal and are willing to contribute different ideas to achieve the goal. These different perspectives can allow you to see situations in ways that you previously hadn’t, and can result in better outcomes. It also showed me the importance of leadership.

If I had never spoken up about the way the food was being served, a change might have never happened. When you work in the group, the end goal may not be for the benefit of anyone in the group, but for others who are in need. This experience also showed me the beauty in doing good for others and making others happy, even through small things such as serving them food to their liking.

In this community service essay, the student shares their experience volunteering at a soup kitchen. Volunteering at a soup kitchen is not necessarily unique in the list of extracurricular activities for college applications. However, the student highlights several aspects of the experience that make it meaningful to them. 

To start, the student shares their experience challenging the way that food was served. The student suggested that food be served directly to attendees in order to better connect with community members. Through this experience, the student learns about leadership and working with others to achieve a common goal. This specific example demonstrates the student’s collaborative values and compassionate way of thinking, both of which are great attributes to highlight in college applications.

How To Write A Community Essay

As we saw in the community essay examples, there are several hallmarks of college essays that worked. To write a good community essay, whether it be a community service essay, a cultural diversity essay, or a describe the community you live in essay, you must start by understanding the prompt. Once you have carefully read through the prompt, brainstorm examples from your own life that relate to it. Sharing specific details and examples will make your response stronger and more unique. 

Additionally, showcase how you grew throughout your response. In each of the community essay examples we shared, the student discussed a skill or perspective they developed through their experiences. Finally, connect your response to the school you are applying to. If you are writing a cultural diversity essay, for example, demonstrate how you would contribute to the cultural diversity at that school, both inside the classroom and in your extracurricular activities for college.  

Topics To Avoid In Your Community Essay

When writing community essays, there is technically no topic that you cannot discuss. However, how you discuss certain topics is important. 

For example, in a community service essay, it is important to not come off as a savior of a community with less privilege than yourself. Similarly, if you are writing a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay, you will want to avoid stereotyping any community. Speaking from your own personal experience as a member of a community is fine. However, generalizing your experience to the community at large can come across as insensitive to that community’s diversity. To avoid these pitfalls, have a variety of people read your community essay examples and look for these dynamics.

Additional Tips for Community Essays

We’ve highlighted the strengths in the community essay examples above. Now we will now share some more tips for making your community essays a strong part of your college applications:

Tips for Writing Community Essays

1. research the college.

When reviewing our college community essay examples, you will notice that students highlight specific clubs, programs, or groups on campus to which they will contribute. If you are specific, you demonstrate real interest in the school which adds strength to your college applications.

2. Tell a story

In each of the college essays that worked, students gave details that told a full story . This story incorporated where they come from and what they learned through their experiences. Rather than telling us who they were, the students used this particular story to show us.

As the college admissions landscape gets ever more competitive, students are sometimes tempted to read other students’ essays and copy ideas. Or, more recently, they may even want to use artificial intelligence to write their essays. However, AI and other students’ experiences won’t show admissions who you really are. Don’t worry about whether you have the best extracurricular activities for college or the most unique cultural diversity essay. Instead, talk about the experiences that truly matter to you. By being honest, you are more likely to come across as convincing and interesting. In each of our college community essay examples, students presented a true and well-thought-out response to the prompts.

Other CollegeAdvisor Essay Resources to Explore 

As you work on your college applications, you might be in search of additional resources. CollegeAdvisor has a wealth of webinars and articles that can help you navigate writing your essays. Here are a few:

More CollegeAdvisor Resources for Essays

1. short essay examples.

Some of the cultural diversity essays you may write will be short, meaning that they are 150 words or less. This article with short essay examples can help you understand how to write short and sweet cultural diversity essays.

2. Cultural Diversity Essay Examples

In this article , you will find additional examples of cultural diversity essays. Many community essays are also cultural diversity essays. As such, becoming familiar with how students write about their cultures is useful.

3. The Ultimate Guide to Supplemental Essays

In this webinar , CollegeAdvisor experts provide a rundown of how to write strong supplemental essays for your college applications. In particular, this webinar will help you decode essay prompts and make sure you answer each prompt fully.

4. Editing Your Supplemental Essays

Once you have read up on college community essay examples and written your cultural diversity essays, you might need help editing them. This webinar will provide tips for how to edit your supplemental essays effectively.

Community Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

Completing your college applications can be a daunting task, especially when you must write multiple essays. For some students, writing cultural diversity essays is challenging. These prompts ask you to dig deep and reflect upon your life influences.

In this guide to community essays, we provided an overview of what a community essay is and how to respond to the different types of community essay prompts. We shared cultural diversity essay examples and describe the community you live in essay examples. We also described what makes these essays strong and how they meet college application requirements. 

In short, the key to writing stand-out essays is to be authentic and thorough in your responses. If you need additional help writing your cultural diversity essay, seek out the support of a trusted resource like CollegeAdvisor. We are here to help you craft the best college applications that could gain you admissions to the school of your dreams!

This article was written by Courtney Ng. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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An Ode to the Art of Economic Survival

• Back Issues

“Town & Country,” our summer issue, is out now. Subscribe to our print edition today.

The Exit Is the Entrance chronicles a working life spanning some 30 jobs in 25 cities across eight states. Author Lydia Paar went AWOL from the military at age 20 and never stopped moving, an escape artist evading everything but her student debt.

In her debut essay collection, Lydia Paar recounts working some thirty jobs in twenty-five cities across eight states and two countries. (Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images)

“I’m going to escah-pay.” So begins Lydia Paar’s debut essay collection, The Exit Is the Entrance: Essays on Escape. The book is both a work-travel memoir and a penetrating, often poetic deliberation on what it takes to remain intact in a world designed to shatter you. Packaged as a spiritual-philosophical bildungsroman in essay form, The Exit Is the Entrance is something far more valuable: a sensitive account of economic survival.

Paar begins life lower-middle-class in rural Kentucky. As a child, she learns how to “escah-pay” after divorce lands her, her mom, and her little brother in grandma’s attic in Portland, Oregon. (“You say it like the word ‘agape,’” she writes, “a childlike mispronunciation.”) Whether from family drama or “social snubbing at school,” escaping comes naturally. Paar’s story hereafter is of life on the run. Paar goes AWOL from the military at twenty and works some thirty jobs in twenty-five cities across eight states and two countries.​ The book spans wildly different social milieus and topographies, from Portland dive bars and Kentucky ditches to Arizona deserts and St Louis funeral homes. The only thing she can’t quite escape is her student debt — tens of thousands for a college degree that never seems to pay off.

Class memoirs often render their observations about the world in terms of the individual’s triumph over adversity. For these memoirists, social conditions are a backdrop for the hero’s journey, and usually nothing a great deal of grit can’t overcome. In contrast, Paar’s work is highly alert to the world’s injustices. She doesn’t surmount adverse social conditions so much as maneuver around them — usually away from them, though they tend to catch up with her again.

In “Formula,” an essay on religious faith and the spiritual toll of labor, Paar surveys the array of possible beginnings to life as a worker. Some start out “blue-collar trudging for blue plate specials,” she writes, while others “interned en route to rising in rank.” Still others, like Paar, enlist in the military, naively seeing it as an “easy” solution to the cost of higher ed.

Paar is swiftly disabused of that notion in “The Cockroach Prayer,” one of the longest essays in the collection and among its most powerful. Eight weeks into “the grim monotony of basic training” at Fort Jackson, she describes a sudden “snag in my pelvis pulling insistently down, like part of me might clatter out, right there, onto the ground.” Made to run five miles with what she later learns are “two fractured ribs, a fractured pelvis, and a fractured femur,” the narrator winds up in the Army hospital three weeks prior to the start of her fall semester. There she plots her desertion, reflecting, “I’m built, after all, not to kill, but to flee.”

Many memoirists would have plumbed this trauma for all it was worth, recycling its heft across the book for emotional impact. But absent from Paar’s writing is the unspoken entitlement and indignation somewhat common among people with some advantages — in her case being white and a few childhood brushes with the middle class — whose lives turned out much harder than they expected.

Among recent nonfiction books on class mobility and higher ed, Stephanie Land’s Class is the most obvious comparison. But while Land’s memoir maintains a more conventional focus on individual trauma, The Exit Is the Entrance has a roving eye. Paar astutely notices that she’s not alone. On her travels she meets a man Greyhounding home from prison, an Apache helicopter pilot, a close friend with severe bipolar disorder — and nobody’s trauma is uniquely unfair, least of all hers. Instead, the stories of hardship ebb and flow like the beats she learns to mix as an amateur DJ.

As for her own tumult, nowhere does she suggest that her many jobs — from Subway “sandwich artist” to Blockbuster video clerk to dishwasher to medical office administrator to AI-bot trainer to singing-bowl seller to adjunct college instructor — are not good enough for her in particular, or that she, by dint of effort and intelligence, is too good to fulfill their duties. “Although I hadn’t thought I’d grow up to be a housecleaner,” she writes off her time tidying a backpackers’ hostel, “I found I relished the work, especially its quiet, meditative moments . . . stripping sheets, washing dishes, dusting, turning lights on or dimming them for mood, scrubbing toilets, or, my favorite, watering plants.”

Paar is not surprised by life’s sharp edges. For her, losing loved ones to guns, drugs, suicide, and mental illness is so tragic in part because it’s so mundane. Nevertheless, she refuses to be bored by the world. On the contrary, each new environment is worthy of meticulous, often awed description: the “secret sandstone bluffs” of Pacific City, the “wild synesthesia” and “muted thuds” of the Flagstaff EDM scene, and the “dark, coniferous, spiked shadows” of a bungalow-lined neighborhood in Portland. Paar knows how easy it is for people to vanish from the planet, and she loves the planet and its people harder for that fact.

Refreshingly, romantic prospects don’t dominate Paar’s narrative so much as punctuate it like commas in a long, sinuous sentence. Men come and go, and eventually she marries one without much fanfare. “Tim’s on his way home from a music tour,” she squeezes into a short section of an essay dedicated to recounting the decline of an indigent friend, “then we’re doing something unconventionally conventional: getting hitched.” In the essay “Murder City,” Paar and her husband move to St Louis. She spends less time reflecting on the new marriage than on the fact that, in St Louis, “swaths of burned-out, blighted houses exist mere blocks from the city’s stateliest mansion, whose owners spend more on lawn care than their neighbors live on annually.”

The sheer volume and variety of jobs Paar takes on is a testament to the thin line separating “blue-collar” from “white-collar” when a college degree doesn’t count for as much, when the cost of living climbs steeper than annual salaries. In St Louis, she appears poised to make her final escape as she pursues a coveted MFA at a tony program. In time, though, it becomes clear that no amount of cultural capital will guarantee financial solvency. “After rent and utilities are paid, the student loan bills land in the mailbox at our pretty brick home in the tough neighborhood and my heart sinks,” she laments. “It grows weary of skirting failure, grows thin like a filament, or paper fragments prone to scatter.” After twenty-five years of hustle and multiple degrees, middle-class status is as far away as the backyard stars of childhood.

Paar’s work has what many other class memoirs lack: a kind of gentle fatalism about the potential for individual transcendence of social structures. At the same time, she doesn’t suggest that every aspect of our lives is constrained by circumstance — only the broadest contours. Within those contours is a kind of freedom of movement, made possible by the art of “escah-pay.”

The epilogue of The Exit Is the Entrance is set at a county jail where Paar leads a writing workshop. “We agreed how it’s possible to write the endings of our stories far away from where they started,” she reflects, “characters baby-stepping toward better.”

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Turning to essays, Edwidge Danticat makes shrewd use of the form

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Book Review

We're Alone: Essays

By Edwidge Danticat Graywolf: 192 pages, $26 If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookstores.

Essay collections appear infrequently on the lists of most popular nonfiction — memoirs and historical narratives dominate conversations about the genre. Those forms of nonfiction are wonderful in their own ways. They are also the versions that are closest to fiction. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it can exclude the unique offerings of the essay.

An essay collection presents a compressed reading experience, sometimes poetic, and often requiring the author to demonstrate the act of forming an opinion. In its most exalted form, the essay collection is about many things at once. Its goal is not to share information about a topic but to dramatize the formation of a perspective, the development of an informed point of view — a focus that makes the form much more dependent on the writer than the subject matter. “We’re Alone,” a collection of eight short essays by the celebrated Haitian American novelist and short story writer Edwidge Danticat, exemplifies that achievement.

Readers who have appreciated other voice-driven essay collections, such as Zadie Smith’s pandemic-inspired “Intimations,” Erica Caldwell’s “Wrong Is Not My Name,” Jordan Kisner’s “Thin Places,” Cathy Park Hong’s “Minor Feelings” or Elissa Gabbert’s “ The Unreality of Memory ,” will find something familiar with Danticat in “We’re Alone.” The thematic thread of this collection binds loosely around experiences of disconnection or isolation that are exacerbated by a sense of risk predicated on racial, political or social vulnerability. In the essay “A Rainbow in the Sky,” Danticat writes: “The less stable your house, the more terror you feel.” She has elegantly captured that those who face a storm with all foundations intact have a different relationship to the experience than those who were already struggling before it.

In the preface to the book, Danticat discloses that writing essays allows her to feel alone with herself and present with a reader. These pieces represent her outstretched hand, an invitation to spend shared time in reflection. Danticat took the book’s title from the French poem “Plage” by the Haitian writer Roland Chassagne, whose tragic history of imprisonment is also explored in the book. His poem envisions a night spent under palm trees, and the longing for the end of a deep disappointment. Here Danticat finds an early foothold into one of the book’s chief concerns: thresholds where someone’s feelings have been constricted for the sake of other people’s comfort. The title also invokes a plural self, a collective that shares in the writer’s experience of solitude and disaffection.

In the literary essay, a tradition that unites personal insight with anecdotes, evidence and reasoning, one of the most satisfying moments is finding where the writer’s logic breaks and she struggles to fully accommodate the proportions of her subject. Such moments make the inquiries appear vulnerable and honest, even when in reality they are simulations of sense-making. Not all essayists are invested in showing their struggle in understanding or are given the space to do so. But Danticat invites readers into the challenge of putting facts and feelings together. She excels at showing how hard it is to know what the right questions are to ask or how to answer them, and like many of us, she struggles to talk about difficult subjects, especially with her children.

For example, in “By the Time You Read This…,” Danticat debates how much and when to tell her children about how police violence affects the way Black people and immigrants think about safety. She writes, “Each time a young Black person is killed by a police officer or by a vigilante civilian, I ask myself if the time had come for me to write to my daughters a letter about Abner Louima and the long list of nonsurvivors who have come after him.” There is dignity in her doubt, which makes way for the kind of compassion that characterizes these essays.

Danticat’s insights are informed by accounts of the trials of friends and family: Her beloved mother wanders off in an airport; an uncle suffers from an irresolvable, progressive disorientation; Louima, a family friend, is attacked and raped by police; and two mentors, Toni Morrison and Paule Marshall, live through their final months. These experiences emphasize the possibility of loss and disconnection, reflecting a kind of hypervigilance that can be an inheritance of trauma. She approaches these accounts with the courage of an intentional witness, maintaining that perspective even when she looks beyond her own circle. In “Chronicles of a Death Foretold,” Danticat tells the story of a self-proclaimed prophetess who predicted the 2021 assassination of the Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, and the collection’s penultimate essay, “Wozo, Not Mawozo,” examines the weeks following the kidnapping of Christian missionaries in Haiti in 2021.

These are clearly the essays of an accomplished novelist. They move swiftly through detailed anecdotes and varied landscapes, even when the principal action the speaker engages in is “thinking.” There is room in an essay for dramatic action, for the expression of the body as it relates to thought, which was somewhat lacking here. At times, I struggled to see the author as a figure in the dramatic action she cited. Even so, it’s a testament to Danticat’s skill that these brief, intense works about serious matters do not feel heavy. She brings us close enough to the trouble at hand that we cannot mistake what we have seen.

But we are not alone in trying to make sense of feelings that come from becoming a witness to this world. No one is.

Wendy S. Walters is the author of the prose collection “Multiply/Divide” and an associate professor of nonfiction at Columbia University.

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Guest Essay

Surgeon General: Parents Are at Their Wits’ End. We Can Do Better.

By Vivek H. Murthy

Dr. Murthy is the surgeon general.

One day when my daughter was a year old, she stopped moving her right leg. Tests found that she had a deep infection in her thigh that was dangerously close to her bone. She was rushed off to surgery. Thankfully, she’s now a healthy, spirited young girl, but the excruciating days we spent in the hospital were some of the hardest of my life. My wife, Alice, and I felt helpless and heartbroken. We got through it because of excellent medical care, understanding workplaces and loved ones who showed up and reminded us that we were not alone.

When I became a parent, a friend told me I was signing up for a lifetime of joy and worry. The joys are indeed abundant, but as fulfilling as parenting has been, the truth is it has also been more stressful than any job I’ve had. I’ve had many moments of feeling lost and exhausted. So many parents I encounter as I travel across America tell me they have the same experience: They feel lucky to be raising kids, but they are struggling, often in silence and alone.

The stress and mental health challenges faced by parents — just like loneliness , workplace well-being and the impact of social media on youth mental health — aren’t always visible, but they can take a steep toll. It’s time to recognize they constitute a serious public health concern for our country. Parents who feel pushed to the brink deserve more than platitudes. They need tangible support. That’s why I am issuing a surgeon general’s advisory to call attention to the stress and mental health concerns facing parents and caregivers and to lay out what we can do to address them.

A recent study by the American Psychological Association revealed that 48 percent of parents say most days their stress is completely overwhelming, compared with 26 percent of other adults who reported the same. They are navigating traditional hardships of parenting — worrying about money and safety, struggling to get enough sleep — as well as new stressors, including omnipresent screens, a youth mental health crisis and widespread fear about the future.

Stress is tougher to manage when you feel you’re on your own, which is why it’s particularly concerning that so many parents, single parents most of all, report feeling lonelier than other adults . Additionally, parents are stretched for time. Compared with just a few decades ago, mothers and fathers spend more time working and more time caring for their children , leaving them less time for rest, leisure and relationships. Stress, loneliness and exhaustion can easily affect people’s mental health and well-being. And we know that the mental health of parents has a direct impact on the mental health of children.

All of this is compounded by an intensifying culture of comparison, often amplified online, that promotes unrealistic expectations of what parents must do. Chasing these expectations while trying to wade through an endless stream of parenting advice has left many families feeling exhausted, burned out and perpetually behind.

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