Population: JAMB Economics Questions, Answers & Notes

What Population covers in the JAMB Economics syllabus

Population is the total number of people in an area, counted by a census (vital for planning). Birth and death rates are measured per 1,000 people per year, and natural increase = birth rate − death rate; migration (immigration in, emigration out) also changes numbers. Population density is people per unit area, and a population pyramid shows age–sex structure. A country may be over-populated (population exceeds resources), under-populated (too small to use resources fully) or at optimum population (best match for the highest living standards). The dependency ratio compares dependants (young and old) to the working population; a young population raises it. Rapid growth strains food, housing, schools and services.

For Population, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Define population terms: census, birth/death rate, natural increase, density
• Distinguish over-, under- and optimum population and the dependency ratio
• Explain migration, the population pyramid and effects of population growth

Key facts & revision notes: Population

These are the recurring points our Population questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• Population is the total number of people living in a given area at a particular time.
• A census is the official count of a country's population.
• Birth rate is usually expressed as live births per 1,000 people per year.
• Death rate is expressed as deaths per 1,000 people per year.
• Natural increase = birth rate − death rate (excluding migration).
• Immigration is movement into a country; emigration is movement out of it.
• Emigration is the movement of people out of a country.
• Over-population occurs when population exceeds what the country's resources can support.
• Under-population means the population is too small to fully exploit available resources.
• Optimum population gives the highest output per head and living standards for the resources available.
• Many dependent young people relative to workers gives a high dependency ratio.
• A population pyramid shows the age and sex structure of a population.
• Fast population growth strains food supply, housing, schools, health and other services.
• Population density = number of people ÷ land area (people per square km).
• Census data guide planning for schools, hospitals, jobs and resource allocation.
• The working (labour) force is made up of people of working age who are able and willing to work.
• The dependency ratio compares dependants (young + old) to the working population.
• Poor health facilities, disease, poor nutrition and sanitation raise the death rate.
• Natural increase = 40 − 15 = 25 per 1,000.
• Emigration and a falling birth rate reduce population growth.
• All residents form the total population.
• A census counts the whole population officially.
• Live births per 1,000 people is the birth rate.
• Deaths per 1,000 people is the death rate.

Worked examples

Three Population questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Population is tested in JAMB Economics

Our Population bank holds 40 questions (3 easy, 25 medium, 12 hard). JAMB Economics typically returns to Population year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Population questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Population. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Economics item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Population is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Population

The errors that cost marks on Population are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Population actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Population part of the JAMB Economics syllabus?

Yes. Population is a recognised topic in the JAMB Economics syllabus, covering define population terms: census, birth/death rate, natural increase, density. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Population questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Population questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Population?

Population is the total number of people in an area, counted by a census (vital for planning). Birth and death rates are measured per 1,000 people per year, and natural increase = birth rate − death rate; migration (immigration in, emigration out) also changes numbers. Population density is people p…

How do I answer Population questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Population. Practising timed Population questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Economics Population questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Population questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Population practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Economics syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.