Compare and contrast the impact of overpopulation and underpopulation.

The following points compare and contrast the impact of overpopulation and underpopulation of a country-

1. Utilisation of Resources — Overpopulation may increase the pressure on the natural resources and the food and fresh water supplies would be inadequate or insufficient which may result in depletion of natural resources while underpopulation may lead to under utilization of resources due to the shortage of labour and less demand.
2. Impact on Environment — Overpopulation would increase the demand for area and this would result in deforestation or loss of natural habitat and increase in pollution levels while underpopulation decreases the pressure on natural resources and the pollution level would also decrease.
3. Impact on Employment — Overpopulation would result in scarcity of jobs while underpopulation would create labour shortage which would have both positive and negative impacts.

In conclusion, both overpopulation and underpopulation are not considered good for the economy.