Key Demographic Transition Model Stages to Know for AP Human Geography

The Demographic Transition Model outlines how populations change over time through five distinct stages. Each stage reflects shifts in birth and death rates, impacting societal structure, economy, and overall population growth, crucial for understanding human geography.

1. Stage 1: High Stationary

   • Characterized by high birth and death rates, resulting in a stable population.
   • Limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and education leads to high mortality, especially among infants.
   • Societies are typically agrarian, with subsistence farming and low levels of industrialization.
   • Population growth is minimal, as fluctuations in death rates can significantly impact overall numbers.

2. Stage 2: Early Expanding

   • Death rates begin to decline due to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition.
   • Birth rates remain high, leading to a significant increase in population growth.
   • Societies start to transition from agrarian to more industrialized economies.
   • This stage often sees improvements in child survival rates, contributing to population booms.

3. Stage 3: Late Expanding

   • Birth rates start to decline as a result of increased access to contraception, education, and women's rights.
   • Death rates continue to fall, but at a slower pace, leading to a more moderate population growth.
   • Urbanization increases as people move to cities for better job opportunities and living conditions.
   • Societies begin to experience changes in family structure, with smaller family sizes becoming more common.

4. Stage 4: Low Stationary

   • Both birth and death rates are low, resulting in a stable population with little to no growth.
   • High levels of urbanization and industrialization characterize this stage, with a focus on service-oriented economies.
   • Societies experience aging populations, leading to potential challenges in workforce sustainability and healthcare.
   • Family planning and gender equality are prevalent, contributing to lower birth rates.

5. Stage 5: Declining

   • Birth rates fall below death rates, leading to a declining population.
   • Societies face challenges related to an aging population, including increased healthcare costs and labor shortages.
   • Economic factors, such as high living costs and changing social norms, contribute to lower fertility rates.
   • Countries in this stage may implement policies to encourage higher birth rates or immigration to balance population decline.