Underpopulation is a term used to describe a situation where the number of people in a particular region or country is lower than the optimum level required to maintain a healthy and sustainable population. The issue of underpopulation has become a matter of concern in recent years, as some countries are experiencing a declining birth rate and an aging population.

Underpopulation can lead to several negative consequences, including a lack of workers, a reduction in demand for goods and services, and a decline in economic growth. It can also put a strain on government resources, resulting in reduced quality of services and infrastructure. In some cases, underpopulation can even lead to the abandonment of entire communities, particularly in rural areas.

To address the issue of underpopulation, governments may implement policies such as promoting immigration, providing incentives for families to have more children, and investing in infrastructure and economic development to attract businesses and new residents. However, it is important to balance the population growth with the available resources and environmental concerns. Therefore, any policy regarding underpopulation must be carefully considered and planned to ensure a sustainable and healthy population.

Underpopulation Definition

When there are not enough people to fully utilize the available resources is a condition of underpopulation.

What are the causes, problems, and effects of underpopulation?

The condition of underpopulation states that the size of the population is very small to fully utilize the available resources. Some of the underpopulated countries are the Prairies of NorthAmerica, Canada, Equatorial Congo, parts of Australia and New Zealand, Russia, and Namibia.

It is generally believed that the size of a country is inversely related to its population. But it is not always correct as underpopulation and overpopulation are not related to the size of the population. The least densely populated areas are the Pitcairn Islands, Mongolia, Namibia, French Guiana, Australia, Iceland, and Mauritania.

Causes of Underpopulation

Have you ever thought about the reasons for underpopulation?

Let's have a look at some of them.

• Fertility rate: The birth rate has decreased in developed and developing countries due to literacy, urbanization, etc.
• Emigration: It is the movement of individuals from one place to another to permanently settle at the destination. The factors of emigration could be either pull or push. Push factors include lack of employment, poor economy, etc. Pull factors include economic stability, better employment opportunities, political freedom, etc.
• Disease: Population decreases due to the spread of various diseases like HIV/AIDS. It has caused a decrease in population globally.
• Famine: Scarcity of food is caused due to crop failure and other similar factors. It also affects the population.

Problems of Underpopulation

Let's find out the problems of underpopulation.

Uneven distribution of population: Population is not evenly distributed. Some of the areas have less population or no people at all. It is difficult to increase settlement in such areas.

Under-utilisation of resources: Due to less number of people it becomes difficult to fully develop the resources. Agricultural resources are difficult to develop as they require hard work for a good return.

The slow growth of the industry: There is a shortage of skilled labor in underpopulated countries so the growth of industries is not so fast. The problem can be resolved by bringing labor from other countries but it would increase the cost.

Climatic problems: Unfavourable climatic conditions are present in underpopulated countries which makes it difficult for the immigrants to settle in. Immigrants can be increased in cases when they can easily settle in less populated areas.

Thus there are many problems in underpopulated countries which affect the economy and other factors.

Impact of Underpopulation

Underpopulation has both positive as well as negative impacts.

Positive Impacts: Basic amenities like food, education, shelter, etc are available for the entire population of such areas. Such countries do not experience congestion. A large number of job opportunities are available to people.

As people are less in number so there are fewer industries and thus less waste is generated which is better for the environment. A high standard of living is practiced in underpopulated areas.

Negative Impacts: Underutilisation of resources due to less number of people results in deflation. It means the price of goods decreases. Manpower is not sufficient to set up industries and thus the production of goods decreases.

Multiple-choice questions

1. Which of the following is not a cause of underpopulation?
a) Emigration
b) Famine
c) Disease
d) Better medical facilities

2. Which of the following is not a problem of underpopulation?
a) High fertility rate
b) Shortage of basic amenities
c) Rise in unemployment
d) The slow growth of industries

3. Which of the following is a positive impact of underpopulation?
a) Environmental hazard
b) Under-utilisation of resources
c) Less number of skilled labor
d) Less production of waste

4. Which of the following is a negative impact of underpopulation?
a) Shortage of basic amenities
b) High standard of living
c) Less production on waste
d) Deflation

5. Which of the following countries is underpopulated?
a) Japan
b) Indonesia
c) Pakistan
d) Namibia

FAQs

1. What is underpopulation?
   
   Underpopulation is a term used to describe a situation where the population of a particular region or country is too low to support the available resources and infrastructure.

2. What are the causes of underpopulation?
   
   Causes of underpopulation can include a decline in fertility rates, emigration, and a lack of immigration.

3. What are the consequences of underpopulation?
   
   The consequences of underpopulation can include a decrease in economic growth, a shortage of workers, and a decline in the demand for goods and services. This can lead to lower tax revenues, reduced government services, and a decreased quality of life for the local population.

4. How can underpopulation be addressed?
   
   To address underpopulation, policymakers may implement policies such as promoting immigration, providing incentives for families to have more children, and investing in infrastructure and economic development to attract businesses and new residents.

5. What is the difference between underpopulation and overpopulation?
   
   Underpopulation refers to a population that is too low to support the available resources and infrastructure, while overpopulation refers to a population that is too high to be supported by the available resources and infrastructure. Both situations can have negative consequences on the environment, economy, and social systems.

Read More: What is Overpopulation: Causes and Effects of Overpopulation