Human Population Growth
James Mariner
Graph the data in the following table on (1) a piece of ordinary graph paper, and (2) on a piece of 4-cycle semi-log paper.
Population (in millions) of the World and Selected Regions.
(Carr-Sanders estimates to 1900, United Nations Data to 1960, and Population Reference Bureau data after 1960.)
Europe and Asia Latin North World
| Year | Asiatic | USSR | Excl'd
USSR | Africa
America | America | Total |
|---|
| 1650 | 103 | 327 | 100 | 12 | 1 | 545
|
| 1750 | 144 | 475 | 100 | 11 | 1 | 728
|
| 1800 | 192 | 597 | 100 | 19 | 10 | 906
|
| 1850 | 274 | 741 | 100 | 33 | 26 | 1171 |
| 1900 | 423 | 915 | 141 | 63 | 81 | 1608 |
| 1920 | 485 | 997 | 151 | 92 | 120 | 1834 |
| 1930 | 530 | 1069 | 164 | 110 | 134 | 2008 |
| 1940 | 579 | 1173 | 183 | 132 | 145 | 2216 |
| 1950 | 594 | 1272 | 219 | 162 | 166 | 2406 |
| 1960 | 641 | 1665 | 273 | 208 | 199 | 2972 |
| 1970 | 702 | 2027 | 352 | 283 | 226 | 3580 |
| 1980 | 751 | 2558 | 469 | 359 | 250 | 4416 |
| 1990* | | | | | | |
| 1997* | 806 | 3475 | 743 | 490 | 298 | 5840 |
*Information available from Population Reference Bureau
**Former USSR included for continuity.
Note that the semi-log graph allows you to compare rates
more easily than an analog graph.
Answer the following questions by referring to your graphs:
- What is meant by growth RATE? What units are used to express growth rate?
- Has the growth of any of the REGIONS graphed been constant? Explain
- Which REGION had the greatest growth RATE for the entire period recorded? How is
this shown?
- Which REGION has had the greatest growth RATE for the 20th Century?
- For the decade 1950-1960, list the REGIONS in the order of grown RATE, with the
fastest-growing region listed first.
- As completely as you can, account for the surges in population growth rate during
the 20th Century for the various regions shown. Use the back of the page, if necessary.
|
|
|
Activities-To-Go Index
