World Population Problems

Let’s bifurcate the population problems across two different worlds—developing countries and developed ones. Though they lie on the same planet, their population issues are fundamentally different.

A. Population Problems in Developing Countries

Developing countries often have abundant human resources but lack the systems to harness them effectively. Let’s understand how:

1. Youth-Dominated Population Structure

Imagine a family where the majority are children and only one or two members earn. That’s the scenario in many developing nations. Over 30% of the population is under age 15, leading to a high dependency ratio.

Now, even among those aged 15–24, many lack the skills or education to contribute productively. So, despite having a potential demographic dividend—a phase when the working-age population is high—we fail to capitalize on it due to lack of investment in education and employment opportunities.

2. Low Technological & Industrial Development

Most people still rely on primary sector activities, like agriculture. In India, over 40% of the workforce is in agriculture, which contributes far less than its proportion to GDP. Think of it like having ten people row a boat that needs only three—inefficiency builds up. The industrial and services sectors, which create more value and jobs, remain underdeveloped due to poor infrastructure and limited capital investment.

3. Underpopulation in Specific Regions

It’s a paradox: while some areas are overcrowded, others like interior Brazil face outmigration. People leave for better jobs, leaving resources underutilized. It’s like having a fertile field with no one to cultivate it—waste of potential.

4. Slow Growth of Industrial Sector

Due to regulatory hurdles, poor logistics, and low foreign direct investment (FDI), industries grow slowly. Much of the labor force is stuck in the informal sector, where work is unstable, low-paid, and lacks social security—think of a street vendor versus a factory worker with benefits.

5. Malnutrition & Poor Living Standards

Over 30% of Indian children under 5 are stunted or underweight (NFHS-5). Malnutrition doesn’t just mean physical weakness—it means poor brain development, low learning ability, and ultimately, an unproductive workforce. Despite a national literacy rate of above 75% the quality and equity of education remain concerning.

6. Unemployment and Underemployment

Joblessness hits the youth and women hardest. A large chunk of the workforce is disguisedly unemployed, particularly in agriculture—imagine five people doing a job meant for two. The informal economy, though vast, offers neither decent wages nor stability.

7. Social Orthodoxy & Resistance to Change

Deep-rooted patriarchy, casteism, and resistance to modern family planning curb social mobility and hinder progress. It’s like trying to run a marathon while carrying centuries-old baggage.

8. Inefficient Agriculture

Farming is plagued by small landholdings, outdated methods, and climate shocks. The result is low output despite high labor input.

9. Unfavourable Physical Conditions

Many developing countries are in the tropics, which affects health and productivity. Diseases like malaria are rampant, and high temperatures reduce work efficiency, especially in physical jobs. Industry also prefers cooler climates for cost and efficiency reasons.

10. Brain Drain

A talented doctor or engineer in India migrates to the US or UK in search of better opportunities. This is brain drain. While it benefits the individual, the country loses out on skilled professionals essential for development.

B. Population Problems in Developed Countries

Now let’s move to developed countries—where the story flips. Here, the issue isn’t too many young people, but too few.

1. Aging Population

In countries like Japan, about 29% of people are over 65. This leads to multiple challenges:

• Pension systems get overburdened.
• Healthcare costs skyrocket.
• Emotional issues like loneliness and depression rise.

2. Labour Shortages

With fertility rates below replacement level, there aren’t enough young people entering the workforce. As a result, industries turn to automation or depend on immigrants—often leading to socio-political debates.

3. Rural Depopulation & Urban Congestion

People are migrating to cities for jobs, leaving villages deserted. This creates rural economic decline and overcrowded cities with traffic, pollution, and housing stress—imagine squeezing five people into a room meant for two.

4. Slum Growth (Though Minimal)

While not rampant, homelessness and urban poverty are visible in wealthy nations too—like tent cities in the USA. However, slums form less than 1% of the population in most OECD countries.

C. Additional Contemporary Issues

Let’s also touch upon some emerging population concerns:

• Forced Migration & Refugees: Conflicts in places like Syria have pushed millions into Europe, sparking cultural and political tensions.
• Changing Population Policies: Countries like China and South Korea that once discouraged childbirth are now promoting it due to declining birth rates.
• Climate-Induced Migration: Rising sea levels and droughts are pushing people out of their homes—not just in Bangladesh but also in the US (e.g., wildfires).
• Gender Inequality: Developing nations often exhibit skewed sex ratios (e.g., India), reflecting deep-rooted biases and impacting social structures.

📝 Notes for UPSC Answer Writing

To write great answers:

• Include region-specific examples (e.g., Japan for aging, India for youth bulge).
• Use latest data from UN, NFHS-5, NSO.
• Diagrams and maps enhance understanding and score.
• Conclude with a balanced approach: tailored policies + sustainability.