Underpopulation In Australia

Underpopulation In Australia

1. Overview

   • Underpopulation is when an area's population is smaller than it's carrying capacity
   • Population density can often be used as an indicator to underpopulation, however it is not always accurate
     • USA has a population density of 30.9 people per sq km
     • Australia has a population density of 2.7 people per sq km

2. Problems of Underpopulation

   • Not enough people to fully exploit natural resources
     • USA produces 8 million barrels of oil per day
     • Australia produces 570 thousand barrels of oil per day
   • Public services close due to lack of customers
   • Hard to defend country as there is a lack of soldiers
   • Lack of innovation and development for future generations
   • Shortage of workers
     • Government recieves less tax
   • Could lead to further population decline

3. Solutions to Underpopulation

   • Increase retirement age and tax, so that there are more people working and the government recieves more money
   • Increase Birth Rates
     • Pro-natalist policies
     • Benefits to people with more children
   • Relax visa rules to attract immigrants

4. Population Distribution

   • Causes of Sparse Population
     • Human
       • No Public Services
       • No communications
       • No Energy Supplies
     • Physical
       • Dangerous/poor climate
       • Steep Mountains
       • Natural Disasters
       • Far from natural resources
   • Causes of Dense Population
     • Physical
       • Flat Land
       • Fertile land for agriculture
       • Favourable Climate
       • Good natural resources
       • Coast
     • Human
       • Good Public Services
       • Good communications
       • Good energy supplies
       • Lots of Jobs