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Year 8 - Geography

Population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: What are its opportunities and challenges?

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about the physical and human geography of the DRC and how natural resources bring both opportunities and challenges. Pupils will also learn about the Congo rainforest and how conservation efforts are trying to protect this important biome.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe where people live in the DRC and describe what the population structure of the DRC is like.

Key Notes

  • The DRC has a population distribution of around 45 people per square kilometre due to its sheer size.
  • Just over half of the people live in rural areas, but Kinshasa is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
  • Population pyramids represent the population structure of a given location.
  • The median age in the DRC is 18.8 years, however half of the population are under 15 years old.
  • High birth rates and low life expectancy impact population growth.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • population density: the number of people living in a defined area, e.g. 300 people per square kilometre
  • population pyramid: a chart representing the population structure of a given location
  • median: the middle value of a set of data when all values are placed in numerical order
  • birth rate: the number of live births per 1000 people per year
  • life expectancy: the average age a person will reach in a given location

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Population pyramids only show us the total population size.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

The DRC has a population distribution of around 45 people per square kilometre due to its sheer size. Just over half of the people live in rural areas, but Kinshasa is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'population density'

the number of people living in a defined area, e.g. 300 people per square kilometre.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Population pyramids only show us the total population size. Correction: A population pyramid provides information about the structure of the population; the age and gender profile of the location represented. This can help governments with future planning.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Geography guide library.