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With reference to the graph above, describe and explain three changes in Ireland's population between 1956 and 2011 - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2012
Question C
With reference to the graph above, describe and explain three changes in Ireland's population between 1956 and 2011. 
Worked Solution & Example Answer:With reference to the graph above, describe and explain three changes in Ireland's population between 1956 and 2011 - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2012
Step 1
Change 1: Increase in Population Change
Answer
From the graph, it is evident that there was a significant increase in the overall population change from the 1996-2001 period onward. The figures rose sharply, reaching a peak of around 80,000 individuals in the 2006-2011 period.
This increase can be attributed to several factors: increased birth rates during the period indicating a natural increase, and possibly a growing economy attracting more immigrants to Ireland. This trend highlights how population dynamics are often influenced by both natural and migration factors.
Step 2
Change 2: Fluctuations in Net Migration
Answer
The net migration line in the graph illustrates considerable fluctuations throughout the years, particularly negative values in the 1981-1986 period.
The decline in net migration suggests that emigration was higher than immigration during that time, likely due to economic factors such as recession and unemployment. However, by the mid-2000s, net migration became positive, indicating that more people were moving into Ireland, attracted by better job opportunities.
Step 3
Change 3: Natural Increase Trends
Answer
The natural increase in the population, represented by the blue line, shows a steady growth from the 1960s until the early 1970s, and then a gradual decline towards the late 1980s.
This trend suggests that higher birth rates were prevalent initially due to population growth momentum, but later factors like changing societal norms and increased access to family planning likely led to the slowdown. As the economy improved in the following decades, the natural increase began to rise again, which further contributed to the overall population growth.