Country Profiles: Population, Economy, Society
US
Population
Approximately 300 million inhabitants spread over its 50 States. Natural increase is low, with low birth rates and low mortality. Population aging is a factor. A large immigrant population is concentrated in urban megalopolis areas (large metropolitan areas).
Economy
Agriculture occupies a small but productive part of the population. It is highly specialized through belts (large areas specialized in cotton, wheat, and corn monoculture). Industry: Abundant energy and mineral resources. The industry is one of the most powerful in the world. Services: The main factor in their economy. Has a good transport network, important tourism, and strong financial activity.
Society
Per capita income and consumption are high, yet poverty exists. There is great cultural diversity. The population is diverse in its origin.
Japan
Population
127 million inhabitants. Natural increase is low, with low birth and mortality rates. Population aging is a factor. The population lives primarily in urban areas.
Economy
Agriculture: Limited land dedicated to agriculture; mostly rice is cultivated. Livestock is scarce. Industries: Lacks energy and mineral resources. Is the second industrial world power. Has a great technological level and a large labor force. Services: The transport sector stands out, among the most modern in the world.
Society
Ranks first worldwide for its income level, consumption capacity, and welfare. Has a distinct culture based on strong customs.
Russia
Population
140 million inhabitants. Sparse population. Low natural growth, low birth rate, high mortality, low life expectancy. Social issues include abortion.
Economy
Transition from communist to capitalist system. Agriculture has low productivity and is concentrated in the west. Industry: Has many energy and mineral resources, but low productivity. The main industries are heavy industry and equipment goods. Services: Less competitive worldwide due to lack of technology.
Society
Significant difference between a minority and the majority. The minority holds most social power. There are shortages, and social services provided by the state are ineffective.
China
Population
Very high population density. Natural growth is low. The population policy limits births: one child is allowed in urban areas, and two in rural areas if the first child is a girl.
Economy
Agriculture: Most of the population is dedicated to this sector, but it is limited by lack of personal effort. The main staple is rice. Industry: Has grown significantly, a major producer. Has many energy and mineral resources, a large labor force, and high technology growth. Many companies are located in free zones (areas with no taxes). Services: Less developed, but has invested heavily in ports and airports.
Society
Social differences exist. Increased life expectancy and reduced illiteracy.
Australia & New Zealand
Population
Australia has 21 million inhabitants. Its population is concentrated in the southeast, with low natural growth and a significant immigrant population. Its capital is Canberra. New Zealand has 4 million inhabitants. A major city mentioned is Auckland.
Economy
Agriculture: Notable production of cereals and livestock (cattle) in Australia and New Zealand. Industry: Australia has mineral resources. Agro-industries predominate in New Zealand, including agri-food. Australia is a meat exporter, and New Zealand exports kiwi. Services: A primary sector of the economy, exporting many commodities such as iron, natural gas, food (like fruit, wheat, and meat).
Society
They have one of the highest standards of living. They are advanced societies with social plurality and diverse populations.
Australia’s Origin
Discovered by Cook in 1770. Used as an English colony, including for prisoners from England who did not fit in. In the 1850s, overpopulation occurred due to the gold rush. In the mid-twentieth century, Australia gained independence from England, leading to a wave of immigrants.