1.2. Demographic indicators (population density and growth)
Like population growth, population density is a simple indicator
of the vulnerability differential even though it is subject to major criticism
such as inaccuracy of the statistical results using population data or the fact
that these densities are but rough averages that may conceal the real contrasts
of population effective distribution. Some of the maps showing a distribution
nearest to the reality (Figures 31, and 32 for Vietnam and Laos) try to correct
this imperfection. The principle retained is the following: the countries,
particularly those with the most unfavourable socio-economic parameters, which
have high to very high population densities (>200) are assumed to have higher
vulnerabilities. The same is true for the annual growth data for the period
1960-1994. This can, in the same logic, be supplemented by the urban
population growth. The urbanization growth rates are generally low (except in
the Philippines where this rate is approximately 54%) but the urban growth rates
are quite high (from 3 to more than 6 per year).
According to these criteria, Bangladesh is by far the most
vulnerable country (with -an exceptionally high density for a country with a
surface area of 140,000 km2, a high rate population growth and a very
high urban growth). Bangladesh is followed by the Philippines which shows high
values for each of these criteria. According to the indicators, the other
countries show a globally lower vulnerability despite their disparities notably
as for
density.
