Critically analyse the demographic transition model using example countries to aid.

The demographic transition model describes how the population of a country is changing and has changed over time. It does this by comparing death rate and birth rate alongside total population of countries around the world. It consists of five stages (In stage 1 death and birth rate is high, stage 2 death rate drops and total population begins to rise, stage 3 birth rate begins to fall and population continues to rise, stage 4 death and birth rate stay low and population growth begins to level off and stage 5, a stage that has only recently been added to the graph, shows population decline as birth rate falls below death rate(see graph to left)).The demographic transition model was designed and based on the industrialisation of the UK and also other surrounding European countries. As a result, the time is in perspective to UK's development.
In this essay, I will be looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the model by looking at example countries. I will use graphs and facts from these countries to establish its validity.
The first country I will be looking at the UK. The demographic transition model is based on the uk, therefore a huge strength as it allows people to look back at the effects the industrial revolution had on our country and it also the demographic transition model of the uk between 1700-2000 is almost a complete similarity of the model itself . For example in 1798 (see graph to the left) a vaccination for small pox was discovered and death rate dropped dramatically. This would be in stage 2 as death rate drops. It also allows other governments around the world to study how the UK has developed and learn from this. The graph shows how our country has developed and allows us to predict what changes the country will experience for example the UK government can set as side money to fund an ageing population. This can minimise its financial pressure on the economy.
Another main strength of the demographic transition model is that it is very easy to understand as the time scales of the model are flexible. For example a country that is developing now will go through stages 2 (early expanding) of the demographic transition model much faster than the uk did in the late 1700's and early 1800's, mainly because machinery needed to develop e.g. tractors to improve agriculture in