Outline the distribution of the Venezuelan states with population densities of above 100 persons per km².

Explain two physical reasons why some areas have a low population density.

Reason 1:

Reason 2:

Explain one cultural reason and one economic reason why fertility rates are decreasing.

Cultural reason:

Economic reason:

Award [1] for each valid statement, up to a maximum of [2].

Possibilities include:

• coastal
• in the north of the country (accept NW and W)
• linked to concentration of urban areas/close to capital
• linear/arc-like pattern
• located and named anomaly – San Cristobal/Barquisimeto are inland / La Asuncion an island
• clustered.

Identification of a valid physical reason [1] and [1] for further development of how it has led to a low population density.

For example: Mountainous areas frequently have low population densities [1] as the terrain is rugged and steep and agriculture is difficult to practice (and accessibility is poor) [1].

Possibilities include:

• Extreme climate – where the climate is too cold (e.g. Antarctica) or too hot (e.g. Sahara Desert) – leads to problems of agricultural production/human survival.
• Vegetation – areas of dense vegetation (e.g. the Amazon Rainforest) – often have difficult accessibility.
• Water supply – where the water supply is low/unpredictable – difficulty with agriculture/limited water to drink.
• Poor soils – if the soil is thin and unproductive – cannot produce crops or raise livestock.
• Resources – areas with few resources e.g. minerals – lack of opportunity for economic development.
• Frequent natural hazards – high risk of death/injury.
• Disease – areas with high incidence of vector borne diseases e.g. malaria – avoided to cut down risk of illness.
• Remote/landlocked areas – difficulties in access/industrial development/ability to export goods.

In each case, award [1] for a valid reason with [1] for further development linked to decreasing fertility rates.

For example: There has been a decreasing influence of religion [1] – religious influence on birth control is no longer strong in western societies [1].

Cultural reasons may include:

• female empowerment/gender equality – females have careers/females have greater role in decisions that impact their lives
• loosening of extended family ties – the influence of family pressure to have larger numbers of children decreased
• shifting attitude towards life – younger population feel their sense of self can be complete without children
• mass media – soap operas and reality TV influence the attitudes of society e.g. 16 and Pregnant in USA
• Westernization of culture in LICs/MICs – impact of western charities who give out contraceptives
• access to reproductive health services – contraception decreases the number of pregnancies
• age of marriage increasing – decreases the number that can be conceived
• changing perceptions of parenting – parenting seen to be time consuming with high expectations
• concern for the environment – fewer children puts less pressure on the environment.

Economic reasons may include:

• employment opportunities – the prospect of a career, women may have less children and marry later
• the cost of having children – time spent in education and the cost of childcare makes it more expensive to have a large number of children.
• recession – people put off decision to have children, women must work so that household income is sufficient
• development of a country's economy – allows investment in education
• lack of affordable housing – difficulty in finding accommodation for larger families
• provision of pensions – need to have support in old age lessened
• high cost of living – extra child becomes very expensive, women cannot afford to take time off work.

Responses to this question were generally good and candidates seem to have been well prepared for the description of distributions. Good answers generally used compass directions to identify the areas of high population density although many referred to the coastal component of the distribution. It was clear that candidates had also been schooled to take heed of anomalies to the general pattern. Some candidates made valid comment on the spatial pattern of distribution with reference to the clustered nature of the configuration.

The quality of answers to this question was variable. The better responses regularly selected mountainous terrain and extreme climate as the reasons for low population density and then gave explanatory development such as agricultural adversity. Other frequent causes of low population density were vegetation, water supply and infertile soils. Often candidates could identify a reason, but their explanations lacked understanding or precision.

A significant number of candidates sought to relate their answers to Venezuela, which was feasible but limited the possibilities for discussion. When candidates are required to use a resource, this will be indicated in the question. Pleasingly only a minority of candidates gave non-physical reasons for low population density.

This question asked the candidates to classify reasons for declining fertility rates which proved difficult for some candidates. It was evident that candidates could identify several valid drivers of declining fertility, but many had difficulty in correctly categorizing them. This was particularly the case with cultural reasons. Good responses usually examined female empowerment and influence of religion as the reason although many looked at shifting attitude to life and Westernization of culture as alternatives. A good number however strayed into financial and social reasons. Candidates were more secure when discussing economic reasons, frequently citing female employment and, topically, the cost of raising children as causes of declining fertility. Once they had correctly grouped their reasons most candidates were able to give further explanatory development.