Richer countries who have better living conditions often have less population growth, but more people living longer. There are many problems and issues that are associated with the patterns and variations of populations on a global level. One major issue which affects fertility rates and birth rates is the issue of reproductive rights in each country. As observed in the atlas on page 79 countries who have high birth rates also have no access or the country they live in says it is illegal to have abortions. This may be an issue that is causing a variation in the population. The wealth of a country also has an influence on the growth of the population. One major issue involving birth rates and death rates is health risks in a country. As reported on page 80-81 of the atlas HIV/AIDS is a major risk among many populations. AIDS has reduced life expectancy by more than one third in Botswana, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This is probably why many of these places have both high birth and death rates. Another factor that causes a variation in population growth around the world is food. Problems concerning the amount of food available in a country can very well cause increases or decreases in the population of that country. ...
