Population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe where people live in the DRC and describe what the population structure of the DRC is like.
Key learning 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.
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
Population pyramids only show us the total population size.
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.
Teacher tip
Compare the population pyramid of the DRC with population pyramids for other countries at various stages of development. Ask students what they notice, what is similar and what is different about the population structures of each country. Can they suggest reasons for the differences?
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) located?
Q2.Which ocean is closest to the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Q3.What is the name of the river that flows through much of the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Q4.Which mountain range is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Q5.What is the climate like in much of the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Q6.What is the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does "democratic" mean?
Q2.What does GIS stand for?
Q3.What are "layers" in a GIS?
Q4.What does a population pyramid show?
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the The Democratic Republic of the Congo: What are its opportunities and challenges? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.