Population growth in China continues to grow at a significant rate, with approximately 14 million births annually or about the size of the population of Shanghai (China 2004). Beginning in the 1980s, the One-Child Policy implemented by the government urged parents to use family planning after decades of out of control population growth (See Fig. One). Since the 1980s, however, population growth continues to pose enormous challenges for the government. One of the biggest challenges with respect to population is the extreme spatial distribution. The extreme spatial distribution of the Chinese population stems primarily from the nationÆs uneven distribution of cropland, climate, and geography. This analysis will discuss the population characteristics of China, in addition to the spatial distribution of the population and the reasons that significantly impact the extreme spatial distribution. The problem reviewed is whether the spatial distribution of ChinaÆs population will be sustained by available food supply.
The research for this analysis was conducted via the Internet to obtain demographic information relating to ChinaÆs population, spatial distribution, and food supply. The Internet search for these variables resulted in information from the Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping, the United Nations Population Division, the International Cartographic Association (ICA), the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), and the Chinese Statistical Yearbook. Also included in the methods of research was the use of the CD-ROM from the IIASA entitled, ôChinaFood. Can China Feed Itself?ö (1999). The Geographic Information System (GIS) was also utilized to help formulate spatial analysis of the population. Information collected was reviewed and data, graphs, and maps highlighted for use. The information was then studied and analyzed to be used in the final preparation of this report.
During 1950-1980,...