LAB DESCRIPTION

When this slightly greater than two the population will increase. Another factor that comes into play is the age distribution of women and the ages at which they give birth. If the number of women of childbearing age increases, even if the total population, fertility and death rates are constant, the birth rate will increase.

Another basic factor affecting population is people's life spans. If people live longer the population will be higher for the same fertility. Also, he fact that some females die before childbearing age has the consequence that a total fertility rate of greater than w is required to have a constant population. In the simulation these factors are controlled through selecting the level of economic development. A low level of economic development is associated with higher death rates at a younger age, and women giving birth at a younger age. The initial age structures are different for the two cases as well, with a higher proportion of young people in the less developed case.